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JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3o2275

Benzene (shown) is treated with 1-chloropropane and ; the major alkylbenzene formed is then brominated with and . Which structure is the major final product?

  1. AStructure A
  2. BStructure B
  3. CStructure C
  4. DStructure D

Answer: B

In the Friedel-Crafts step the primary carbocation-like complex rearranges by a hydride shift to the isopropyl cation, so the major alkylbenzene is isopropylbenzene (cumene) rather than propylbenzene. The isopropyl group is activating and ortho/para-directing, and its bulk disfavours the ortho position. Bromination gives 1-bromo-4-isopropylbenzene as the major product.
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