Which reagent can be used for the alkylation of aromatic nitro compounds

Options

(a) Methyl-sulfinyl carbanion
(b) Methyl-iodide
(c) Dimethyl-sulphate
(d) Methyl-lithium

Correct Answer:

Methyl-sulfinyl carbanion

Explanation:

Ar – NO₂ group is ring deactivating group. So it does not favour electrophilic alkylation in benzene ring . Therefore nitrobenzene undergoes nucleophilic alkylation through carbanion intermediate. So the reagent used is methyl sulfinyl carbaion.