Question

How to convert benzoic acid to m-nitrobenzyl alcohol?

Answer 1

I hope it helps.

Benzoic acid to m-nitrobenzyl alcohol

I first used nitration (conc. HNO3 /conc.H2SO4) and then i got stuck, as reducing the −COOH group would also reduce −NO2 group (using LiAlH4).

I tried to reduce −COOH group using LiAlH4 to −CH2OH and then proceed to nitration but got confused whether −CH2OH is o/p or m-directing. I think it should be o/p directing.