Question

Identify ‘X’ in the following reaction

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The reaction is a chlorination reaction where benzene reacts with chlorine (\( \text{Cl}_2 \)) in the presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride (\( \text{AlCl}_3 \)), which acts as a catalyst. Since excess chlorine is used and the reaction occurs in the dark and cold, the process results in the substitution of chlorine atoms on the benzene ring. The result is the formation of hexachlorocyclohexane, or \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_3\text{Cl}_3 \), where three chlorine atoms are substituted onto the benzene ring, making the structure a trichlorobenzene. Thus, the correct product is \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_3\text{Cl}_3 \), which corresponds to option (C).

Answer 2

The reaction shown is the chlorination of benzene in the presence of anhydrous AlCl₃ as a catalyst under dark and cold conditions. This is a type of electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, where chlorine (Cl₂) is introduced to the benzene ring. The mechanism involves the formation of a sigma complex (arenium ion) and the substitution of hydrogen atoms on the ring by chlorine atoms.

In this case, 6 molecules of chlorine (Cl₂) react with the benzene ring, resulting in the substitution of all 6 hydrogens on the ring by chlorine atoms. This gives the product hexachlorocyclohexane (C₆Cl₆), which is also known as inorganic benzene.

Therefore, the correct product, \( X \), is C₆Cl₆, and the correct answer is (C).