Question

Consider the following reaction:
(i) \( \text{Benzene} \) with \( \text{O}_2 \) and \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)
Products obtained are:

• A. \( \text{Phenol} \), \( \text{Formaldehyde} \)
• B. \( \text{Benzaldehyde} \), \( \text{Acetone} \)
• C. \( \text{Phenol} \), \( \text{Acetone} \)
• D. \( \text{Benzene} \), \( \text{Formaldehyde} \)

Hint:

In oxidation reactions involving benzene, when oxygen and water are present, phenol and acetone are common products. Formaldehyde is generally produced when the reaction involves methylene groups.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the reaction.
The reaction involves the oxidation of benzene, a process in which benzene reacts with oxygen (\( O_2 \)) and water (\( H_2O \)). The most common reaction of this kind is a partial oxidation reaction that occurs under specific conditions, typically using a catalyst, such as in the production of phenol and acetone. Step 2: Mechanism of the reaction.
- In the presence of oxygen and water, benzene undergoes a series of reactions that involve the addition of functional groups. The primary product of the reaction is phenol, formed by the introduction of a hydroxyl group (\( -OH \)) onto the benzene ring. This is known as hydroxylation of benzene.
- Acetone is also formed as a result of the oxidation. The introduction of an oxygen atom at the appropriate position on the benzene ring forms a ketone group, and in this case, acetone is formed as one of the major by-products. This happens due to the oxidation of a methyl group or a similar structure attached to the benzene ring.
Step 3: Analyzing the possible products.
- Formaldehyde, which is also a product of oxidation reactions involving methylene groups, is not formed here. This is because formaldehyde is typically produced in reactions where the aldehyde group is attached to the benzene ring, but in this case, acetone is produced instead.
- The correct products of this oxidation reaction are phenol (from the hydroxylation) and acetone (from the formation of a ketone group).
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct products obtained from the reaction of benzene with oxygen and water are phenol and acetone. Final Answer:} (3) \( \text{Phenol} \), \( \text{Acetone} \)