Numford
Organic conversion

Toluene to TNT

1 step: substitution

Class 11, Chapter 9 Hydrocarbons

  1. TolueneC₆H₅CH₃Arene
  2. Step 1

    conc. HNO₃ + conc. H₂SO₄, heat

    i

    Standard board question; the methyl group activates the ring enough for three nitro groups under strong conditions.

    N+OO−N+OO−N+OO−
    TNTCH₃C₆H₂(NO₂)₃Nitro compound

Exam answer

  1. Step 1: Toluene to TNT: conc. HNO₃ + conc. H₂SO₄, heat.
Why these reagents

Reagent and reason, step by step

  • Step 1: Toluene to TNT: conc. HNO₃ + conc. H₂SO₄, heat Standard board question; the methyl group activates the ring enough for three nitro groups under strong conditions.
Questions

Toluene to TNT: quick answers

How many steps does it take to convert toluene to TNT?

1 step: Toluene, then TNT.

Which named reaction is used to convert toluene to TNT?

None of the steps has a name. They are substitution, so write the reagent and the condition for each step.

What is the reagent for step 1 of toluene to TNT?

Toluene to TNT: conc. HNO₃ + conc. H₂SO₄, heat. Standard board question; the methyl group activates the ring enough for three nitro groups under strong conditions.

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