Question

Identify A, B, and C in the following reactions:

Hint:

The reaction of toluene with chromium reagents like CrO₃ is a typical example of the oxidation of alkyl groups to carboxyl groups.

Answer 1

Oxidation of Toluene and Formation of Derivatives

The reaction involves the oxidation of the methyl group in toluene (\({C6H5CH3}\)) to a carboxylic acid group. The sequence of transformations is as follows:

1. Compound A is benzoic acid, \({C6H5COOH}\), formed by oxidation of the methyl group to a carboxyl group.
2. Compound B is the benzoate ion, \({C6H5COO^-}\), formed by deprotonation of benzoic acid in basic medium.
3. Compound C is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, \({C6H5COONa}\), formed when benzoic acid reacts with concentrated \({NaOH}\).

Overall Reactions:

1. Oxidation of toluene: \[ {C6H5CH3} \xrightarrow{[O]} {C6H5COOH} \quad (\text{A}) \]

2. Ionization in water (basic medium): \[ {C6H5COOH} \rightleftharpoons {C6H5COO^-} + {H^+} \quad (\text{B}) \]

3. Reaction with sodium hydroxide: \[ {C6H5COOH} + {NaOH} \rightarrow {C6H5COONa} + {H2O} \quad (\text{C}) \]