Dinitration of 3-methyl phenol gives the following major product

Dinitration of 3-methyl phenol (also known as m-cresol) with dilute HNO₃ produces the major product 2,6-dinitro-3-methylphenol.

Explanation

• 3-methyl phenol is m-cresol, in which the methyl group is at the third position relative to the hydroxyl (OH) group.
• When treated with dilute nitric acid (dinitration conditions), nitro groups are introduced into the ortho and para positions with respect to the OH group, which is activating and ortho/para-directing.
• In m-cresol, the available positions for nitration without significant steric hindrance are both ortho to the OH group (positions 2 and 6).
• Therefore, the major product formed is 2,6-dinitro-3-methylphenol, with nitro groups at positions 2 and 6, OH at position 1, and methyl at position 3.

Final Answer: The major product of dinitration of 3-methyl phenol is 2,6-dinitro-3-methylphenol, featuring nitro substitutions at both ortho positions to the hydroxyl group.