Question

What are \(X\) and \(Y\) in the following reaction sequence?
\[ C_2H_5OH \xrightarrow{Cl_2} X \xrightarrow{Cl_2} Y \]

• A. \(C_2H_5Cl, CH_3CHO\)
• B. \(CH_3CHO, CH_3CO_2H\)
• C. \(CH_3CHO, CCl_3CHO\)
• D. \(C_2H_5Cl, CCl_3CHO\)

Hint:

Ethanol gets oxidized to acetaldehyde by \(Cl_2\). Further chlorination of acetaldehyde forms chloral \(CCl_3CHO\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: First chlorination of ethanol.
Chlorine acts as an oxidizing agent in presence of light and gives acetaldehyde:
\[ C_2H_5OH + Cl_2 \rightarrow CH_3CHO + 2HCl \]
So:
\[ X = CH_3CHO \]
Step 2: Further chlorination of acetaldehyde.
Acetaldehyde undergoes successive substitution of \(\alpha\)-hydrogens to form chloral:
\[ CH_3CHO + 3Cl_2 \rightarrow CCl_3CHO + 3HCl \]
So:
\[ Y = CCl_3CHO \]
Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{X = CH_3CHO,\; Y = CCl_3CHO} \]