What Are the Products of Chlorinating Diphenylether with Cl2 and FeCl3?

[metalmagik]

Homework Statement

Show the product(s) of chlorination (Cl2, FeCl3) of diphenylether

Homework Equations

None

The Attempt at a Solution

My solutions manual shows products with Chlorine in the para position, and then the ortho position, with a note saying (followed by disubstitution)

I'm really just looking for some clearing up to this answer. I understand that the oxygen in diphenylether is an ortho/para director, therefore placing Chlorine in the ortho and para position. However, I just assumed this would happen on both phenyl rings. Does it depend on exactly how much Cl₂ is provided?

 

[chemisttree]

Yes it does matter how much chlorine is present. The question didn't ask about exhaustive chlorination, did it?

 

[metalmagik]

Nope! It simply put Cl₂/FeCl₃.

So if given that on a test it's best to assume only monosubstitution? Maybe noting possible disubstitution if more reagent is present?

 

[chemisttree]

That's the way I'd play it.