Question

Consider the following statements
Statement I: Benzene undergoes electrophilic substitution with excess chlorine in the presence of anhydrous AlCl$_3$
Statement - II: Benzene also undergoes electrophilic substitution with chlorine in the presence of UV light.
The correct answer is

• A. Both statements I and II are correct
• B. Both statements I and II are not correct
• C. Statement I is correct, but statement II is not correct
• D. Statement I is not correct, but statement II is correct

Hint:

Benzene with Cl$_2$/AlCl$_3$ is electrophilic substitution; UV light triggers radical addition, losing aromaticity. Know catalyst roles: Lewis acids for substitution, UV for radicals. Check reaction products.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

1. Statement I: Benzene undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution with Cl$_2$/AlCl$_3$, forming chlorobenzene (C$_6$H$_5$Cl), as AlCl$_3$ generates Cl$^+$ electrophile, correct.
2. Statement II: With Cl$_2$ under UV light, benzene undergoes free radical addition, forming hexachlorocyclohexane (C$_6$H$_6$Cl$_6$), not electrophilic substitution, incorrect.
3. Electrophilic substitution requires electrophile attack on aromatic ring, maintaining aromaticity, unlike radical addition.
4. Thus, the answer is (3) Statement I is correct, but statement II is not correct.