AIIMS 2018 Chemistry Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution MCQ Question

The reaction of 1-chloro-3-methylbenzene with Br₂/FeBr₃ leads to the formation of bromo-4-chloro-2-methylbenzene primarily due to the directing effects of the substituents on the aromatic ring. The chlorine atom is a strong deactivating and ortho/para-directing group, while the methyl group is an activating and ortho/para-directing group. However, steric hindrance at the ortho position due to the presence of the bulky methyl group favors bromination at the para position, resulting in the major product. Other options are not relevant as they do not provide correct or applicable information regarding the reaction mechanism or product formation.