Question

Predict the product of the reaction between toluene and bromine in presence of iron. Draw arrow-pushing mechanism for the major products.
anything would be appreciated because I have no idea how to start this!

Answer 1

Answer:

Structures of products have been given below

Explanation:

• It is an example of bromination reaction of toluene in presence of a catalyst e.g. Fe
• Methyl group in toluene is o/p-directing group. Therefore Br adds onto ortho and para position to methyl group in toluene.
• Reaction goes through electrophilic aromatic substitution. Here Br replaces one H atom from benzene ring.
• Here ortho product appears as a major one due to the fact that  inductive effect of methyl substituent operates majorly at ortho position.
• reaction mechanism and structures of products have been shown below.