Question

Identify 'A' in the following reaction.
A + Acetyl chloride $\xrightarrow[AlCl_3]{anhydrous}$ 2-Chloroacetophenone + 4-Chloroacetophenone}

• A. Benzene
• B. Chlorobenzene
• C. Toluene
• D. Phenol

Hint:

Halogens are ortho-para directing but deactivating in electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept
This is a Friedel-Crafts Acylation reaction.

Step 2: Analysis
The products are ortho and para chloroacetophenone. The presence of a chlorine atom on the benzene ring in the product indicates that the starting material must already contain a chlorine substituent to direct the incoming acetyl group.

Step 3: Conclusion
Reacting Chlorobenzene with acetyl chloride in the presence of anhydrous $AlCl_3$ yields the 2-chloro and 4-chloro isomers.
Final Answer: (B)