Question

Which of the following represents the Stephan Reaction?

• A. \( C_6H_5CH_2Cl \xrightarrow{NaOH} C_6H_5CH_2OH \)
• B. \( C_6H_5Cl \xrightarrow{NaOH} C_6H_5OH \)
• C. \( C_6H_5Cl \xrightarrow{AlCl_3} C_6H_5CH_3 \)
• D. \( C_6H_5CH_3 \xrightarrow{NaOCl} C_6H_5Cl \)

Hint:

The Stephan Reaction is a type of nucleophilic substitution, where a halide group (Cl) is replaced by a hydroxyl group (OH) using a strong base like NaOH. This is an important reaction in organic synthesis for preparing phenolic compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Stephan Reaction involves the substitution of a halogen (usually chlorine) in an aromatic compound with an alcohol group. This is typically achieved using a strong base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The general form of the Stephan reaction is: \[ C_6H_5Cl + NaOH \rightarrow C_6H_5OH + NaCl. \] Here, chlorobenzene reacts with sodium hydroxide to form phenol (C6H5OH) and sodium chloride (NaCl). This is a classic example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction where the hydroxide ion from NaOH replaces the chlorine atom in the chlorobenzene. Therefore, option (2) represents the correct reaction.