Hi everyone,
I just have a query about the products of an electrophilic aromatic substitution. In my notes, there is an example where toluene undergoes nitration to give 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. I realise that since the alkyl substituent is activating, nitronium ions will add to ortho and para positions. However, in all other examples in my notes, e.g. toluene + Br2/FeBr3 there are two products, one with the bromine in the ortho position and a seperate one with the bromine in the para position. Is trinitrotoluene an anomaly where substituents are added to all 3 positions? How can I anticipate if there will be two seperate products or just one?
Many thanks in advance