Question:

Benzene gets converted to X in reaction (A) and Y in reaction (B). X is oxidized by ammoniacal AgNO\(_3\) but Y is not. Identify A and B.

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Tollens reagent oxidizes aldehydes only, not alkyl benzenes.
Updated On: Jun 15, 2026
  • Stephen; Fittig
  • Fittig; Stephen
  • Gattermann-Koch; Friedel-Crafts
  • Friedel-Crafts; Gattermann-Koch
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Different substitution reactions on benzene produce different functional groups depending on reagents and catalysts. Ammoniacal AgNO\(_3\) oxidizes aldehydes but not hydrocarbons.

Step 1:
Identify X (oxidizable by Tollens reagent). Tollens reagent oxidizes aldehydes. Thus X must contain \(-CHO\) group. Gattermann-Koch reaction introduces formyl group: \[ C_6H_6 \xrightarrow[AlCl_3/CuCl]{CO + HCl} C_6H_5CHO \] So X is benzaldehyde.

Step 2:
Identify Y (not oxidized by AgNO\(_3\)). Friedel–Crafts reaction introduces alkyl group: \[ C_6H_6 \xrightarrow{RCl/AlCl_3} C_6H_5R \] No aldehyde group present, so not oxidized by Tollens reagent. Thus Y is alkylbenzene.

Step 3:
Match reactions. \[ A = Gattermann-Koch,\quad B = Friedel-Crafts \] Hence correct option: \[ \boxed{C} \]
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