Question

Identify the specific reagent used in the Swarts reaction (e.g., \(AgF\) or \(SbF_3\)).

• A. \(AgCl\)
• B. \(SbF_3\)
• C. \(FeCl_3\)
• D. \(HCl\)

Hint:

The Swarts reaction converts alkyl chlorides or bromides into alkyl fluorides using metallic fluorides such as \(SbF_3\), \(AgF\), or \(Hg_2F_2\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Swarts reaction is a halogen exchange reaction used to prepare alkyl fluorides from alkyl chlorides or alkyl bromides. In this reaction, the halogen atom in an alkyl halide is replaced by fluorine using specific metallic fluorides. Common reagents used in the Swarts reaction include:

• \(AgF\) (Silver fluoride)
• \(SbF_3\) (Antimony trifluoride)
• \(Hg_2F_2\) (Mercurous fluoride)
• \(CoF_2\) (Cobalt fluoride)

Among these, \(SbF_3\) is the most commonly used reagent.
Step 1: {Write the general reaction.} \[ R{-}Cl \; \xrightarrow[]{SbF_3} \; R{-}F \] or \[ R{-}Br \; \xrightarrow[]{SbF_3} \; R{-}F \]
Step 2: {Identify the reagent responsible for fluorination.} In the Swarts reaction, the reagent supplying fluorine is \[ SbF_3 \] Thus the correct answer is \(SbF_3\).