Question

Nitration of aniline in strong acidic medium also gives m-nitroaniline because
A. In spite of substitution nitro group always goes to only m-position
B. In electrophilic substitution reactions amino group is meta directive
C. In absence of substiutents nitro group always goes ot m-position.
D. In acidic (strong) medium aniline is present as anilinum ion.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - D
In strong acidic medium, aniline protonated to form the aniline ion which is meta directing. That is why besides the ortho and para derivatives, significant amount of meta derviative in also formed.