Question

Benzene is treated with oleum to produce compound (X) which when further heated with molten sodium hydroxide followed by acidification produces compound (Y).The compound Y is treated with zinc metal to produce compound (Z). Identify the structure of compound (Z) from the following option.

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Follow the reaction sequence to identify the final product.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To solve this problem, let's analyze each step of the chemical reactions involved:

1. Benzene reacts with oleum to produce compound (X), which is likely benzene sulfonic acid. This is a sulfonation reaction where oleum (H₂SO₄ + SO₃) reacts with benzene to introduce the sulfonic acid group (-SO₃H).
2. Compound (X) is further heated with molten sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This process typically results in the conversion of the sulfonic acid group to a phenol group, resulting in phenol (compound Y) by a process known as alkaline fusion.
3. Upon acidification, the resultant compound (phenol, Y) remains unchanged as it is already in its most stable form.
4. Finally, compound (Y), which is phenol, is treated with zinc metal. This is a reduction reaction where the hydroxyl group is removed, leading to the formation of benzene, compound (Z).

Thus, the final product obtained, compound (Z), is benzene.

Based on the options provided, the structure of compound (Z), which is benzene, is shown below:

Therefore, the correct answer is option corresponding to the benzene structure.

Answer 2

1. Reaction sequence: - Benzene treated with oleum produces benzene sulfonic acid (X). 
- Heating with molten sodium hydroxide followed by acidification produces phenol (Y). 
- Treatment with zinc metal reduces phenol to cyclohexanol (Z). 
Therefore, the correct answer is (2).