Question

Identify the product (Y) formed in the given reaction and the name of the reaction where (X) \(\rightarrow\) (Y).

• A. \( Y = \text{Ethoxybenzene}, \, \text{Wurtz-Fittig reaction} \)
• B. \( Y = \text{Diphenyl}, \, \text{Fittig reaction} \)
• C. \( Y = 1,4-\text{Diiodobenzene}, \, \text{Wurtz reaction} \)
• D. \( Y = \text{Iodobenzene}, \, \text{Sandmeyer's reaction} \)

Hint:

In a Fittig reaction, a diazonium salt undergoes a coupling reaction with another aromatic compound, typically forming a biphenyl compound. This reaction is often used in organic synthesis to form biaryl compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identify the starting material and the first step.
The starting material in the reaction is aniline (\( C_6H_5NH_2 \)). The reaction is performed with sodium nitrite (\( NaNO_2 \)) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) at 0°C. This is a classic reaction for diazotization, where aniline is converted to a diazonium salt:
\[ C_6H_5NH_2 \xrightarrow{NaNO_2, HCl, 0^\circ C} C_6H_5N_2^+Cl^- \] This forms a diazonium ion (\( C_6H_5N_2^+ \)).

Step 2: Describe the second step of the reaction.
The diazonium salt is then treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in dry ether. The reaction with NaOH typically causes the release of nitrogen gas and leads to the formation of the desired coupling product. In this case, the reaction follows the Fittig coupling mechanism, where two molecules of the diazonium salt couple to form diphenyl (\( C_6H_5C_6H_5 \)).
\[ C_6H_5N_2^+Cl^- \xrightarrow{NaOH, \text{dry ether}} C_6H_5C_6H_5 \]

Step 3: Confirm the product formed.
The product formed is diphenyl, which is a compound consisting of two phenyl groups (C6H5) bonded together. This is the result of a Fittig reaction, where a coupling reaction between two aromatic groups occurs.

Step 4: Name the reaction.
The reaction is named the Fittig reaction, which is a type of coupling reaction where an aromatic diazonium salt reacts with another aromatic compound, usually in the presence of a base, to form a biaryl compound.

Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct product is diphenyl, and the reaction is a Fittig reaction. Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).