Question

What is the product X obtained in the following reaction?
C$_6$H$_5$N$_2$Cl $\xrightarrow{i) HBF_4, ii) NaNO_2/Cu}$ X + N$_2$ + NaBF$_4$

• A. C$_6$H$_5$NH$_2$
• B. C$_6$H$_5$NO$_2$
• C. C$_6$H$_5$Cl
• D. C$_6$H$_5$F

Hint:

In diazotization reactions, the intermediate diazonium salt reacts with an electrophile, such as BF$_4$, to form the final product.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the reaction.
This reaction is a diazotization reaction where an aromatic amine (aniline) reacts with sodium nitrite (NaNO$_2$) in the presence of copper to form a diazonium salt. This intermediate is then treated with a suitable electrophile (in this case, HBF$_4$) to form the desired product. In this reaction, the product is nitrobenzene (C$_6$H$_5$NO$_2$).
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) C$_6$H$_5$NH$_2$: This is incorrect, as the reaction does not produce an amine.
(B) C$_6$H$_5$NO$_2$: This is the correct product, as nitrobenzene is obtained in this reaction.
(C) C$_6$H$_5$Cl: This is incorrect, as chlorobenzene is not formed in this reaction.
(D) C$_6$H$_5$F: This is incorrect, as fluorobenzene is not formed.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct product is C$_6$H$_5$NO$_2$, so the correct answer is (B).