Question

Identify the products when benzene reacts with chlorine in the presence of (I) Fe and (II) anhydrous \(\text{AlCl}_{3}\) respectively from the following.

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Hint:

Both Fe and anhydrous AlCl3 act as Lewis acid catalysts and give chlorobenzene by electrophilic substitution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Benzene reacts with chlorine by electrophilic substitution when a Lewis acid catalyst is present.

Step 2: Role of each catalyst
(I) Iron first combines with chlorine to form \(\text{FeCl}_3\), which polarises \(\text{Cl}_2\) and supplies \(\text{Cl}^{+}\).
(II) Anhydrous \(\text{AlCl}_3\) does the same job directly.

Step 3: Product
In both cases, one chlorine replaces one hydrogen to give chlorobenzene. Hexachlorobenzene would need excess chlorine, which is not stated.

Final Answer:
Both reactions give chlorobenzene. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{chlorobenzene in both (I) and (II)}} \]