Hydrocarbons
Odisha Board · Class 11 · Chemistry
NCERT Solutions for Hydrocarbons — Odisha Board Class 11 Chemistry.
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EXERCISES
9.1How do you account for the formation of ethane during chlorination of methane?Show solution
Concept: Chlorination of methane proceeds via a free radical chain mechanism involving initiation, propagation, and termination steps.
Explanation:
During the chlorination of methane, methyl free radicals () are produced in the propagation step:
In the termination step, two methyl free radicals can combine to form ethane:
This coupling of two methyl radicals during the termination step accounts for the formation of ethane as a by-product during the chlorination of methane.
9.2Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
(a) CH₃CH=C(CH₃)₂
(b) CH₂=CH–C≡C–CH₃
(c) CH₃CH=CH–CH₂–CH=CH–CH–CH₂–CH=CH₂ (with C₂H₅ substituent)
(d) CH₃(CH₂)₄CH(CH₂)₃CH₃
(e)/(g) CH₃CH=CH–CH₂–CH=CH–CH–CH₂–CH=CH₂ with C₂H₅Show solution
(a)
The longest chain containing the double bond has 4 carbons (but-2-ene backbone). The double bond is between C-2 and C-3. There is a methyl group on C-3 (since C-3 already has two methyls — one from the chain and one substituent).
Actually, numbering:
- Longest chain: C1–C2=C3–C4 → but-2-ene
- Methyl substituent at C-3
IUPAC Name: 2-Methylbut-2-ene
(b)
Longest chain = 5 carbons with both a double bond (C1=C2) and a triple bond (C3≡C4).
- Name: pent-1-en-3-yne
IUPAC Name: Pent-1-en-3-yne
(c) (as written in OCR — this appears to be an enol, but since the chapter is hydrocarbons, this may be a misprint. Taking the structure as given:)
If the structure is , it is an enol (not a hydrocarbon). However, if interpreted as (propene), the IUPAC name would be Prop-1-ene. Since the OCR shows , this is likely Propen-1-ol (prop-1-en-3-ol or prop-2-en-1-ol depending on numbering), but as it falls outside pure hydrocarbons, we note:
IUPAC Name: Prop-1-en-1-ol (if taken literally; likely a misprint in the source for , i.e., Propene)
(d) — with a branch
Expanding:
The main chain: count the longest continuous chain. The molecule is a decane with a branch. Looking at the structure :
- One side of the branch: = 5 carbons (C1–C5)
- Branch carbon: C6
- Other side: = 4 carbons (C7–C10)
- Total longest chain = 10 carbons → decane
- The branch at C6 would be... wait, there is no substituent shown explicitly. The structure as written seems to be a straight chain of 10 carbons: = decane.
If there is a methyl branch (from the image not visible), assuming the structure is 5-methylnonane or similar. Based on the OCR text with an implied substituent from the image:
IUPAC Name: Decane (if no branch) or most likely 5-Methylnonane if a methyl group is at C-5 (from the figure).
(e)/(g)
Longest chain containing all three double bonds:
- Numbering the chain:
- Main chain = 10 carbons with double bonds at C2, C5, C9 (numbering from the end) or C1, C4, C8 from the other end.
- Substituent: (ethyl) at C-7 (if numbered from end giving lower locants to double bonds).
Double bonds at positions 2, 5, 9 from the end:
- Locant set: {2, 5, 9}
From the other end: {2, 6, 9} — compare: 2=2, 5<6, so number from end.
IUPAC Name: 7-Ethyldeca-2,5,9-triene
9.3For the following compounds, write structural formulas and IUPAC names for all possible isomers having the number of double or triple bond as indicated:
(a) C₄H₈ (one double bond)
(b) C₅H₈ (one triple bond)Show solution
(a) — one double bond (alkenes)
General formula for alkene: ; for : ✓
All possible structural isomers (open chain only, as cyclobutane also fits but is cyclic):
1. But-1-ene:
IUPAC Name: But-1-ene
2. But-2-ene:
IUPAC Name: But-2-ene
3. 2-Methylprop-1-ene (Isobutylene):
IUPAC Name: 2-Methylprop-1-ene
*(Note: But-2-ene also has cis and trans geometric isomers, but they have the same structural formula.)*
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(b) — one triple bond (alkynes)
General formula for alkyne: ; for : ✓
1. Pent-1-yne:
IUPAC Name: Pent-1-yne
2. Pent-2-yne:
IUPAC Name: Pent-2-yne
3. 3-Methylbut-1-yne:
IUPAC Name: 3-Methylbut-1-yne
9.4Write IUPAC names of the products obtained by the ozonolysis of the following compounds:
(i) Pent-2-ene
(ii) 3,4-Dimethylhept-3-ene
(iii) 2-Ethylbut-1-ene
(iv) 1-Phenylbut-1-eneShow solution
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(i) Pent-2-ene:
Cleavage at C2=C3:
- C1–C2 fragment: → Ethanal
- C3–C5 fragment: → Propanal
Products: Ethanal and Propanal
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(ii) 3,4-Dimethylhept-3-ene:
Cleavage at C3=C4:
- C1–C3 fragment: → Butan-2-one (methyl ethyl ketone)
- C4–C7 fragment: → Pentan-2-one
Products: Butan-2-one and Pentan-2-one
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(iii) 2-Ethylbut-1-ene:
Cleavage at C1=C2:
- C1 fragment: → Methanal (Formaldehyde)
- C2–C6 fragment: → Both groups on C2 are ethyl, giving Pentan-3-one
Products: Methanal and Pentan-3-one
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(iv) 1-Phenylbut-1-ene:
Cleavage at C1=C2:
- side: → Benzaldehyde
- Other fragment: → Propanal
Products: Benzaldehyde and Propanal
9.5An alkene 'A' on ozonolysis gives a mixture of ethanal and pentan-3-one. Write structure and IUPAC name of 'A'.Show solution
- Ethanal: (C2 aldehyde — the carbon bearing H came from one side of the double bond)
- Pentan-3-one: (C5 ketone — the carbonyl carbon had no H, so it was internal)
Concept: In ozonolysis, the two carbonyl compounds formed come from the two carbons of the C=C bond. Reconnect the carbonyl carbons with a double bond to get the original alkene.
Reconstruction:
- Ethanal: → contributes
- Pentan-3-one: → contributes ...
Wait — pentan-3-one is , so the carbonyl C is C3, flanked by ethyl groups. This means the double bond carbon from pentan-3-one side had two ethyl groups → it is ... but that gives 5 carbons on one side.
Actually pentan-3-one: . The C=O carbon (C3) had an ethyl group on each side. So in the alkene, this carbon was with one ethyl on the chain side.
Reconnecting:
This is:
Longest chain containing the double bond:
- C1:
- C2:
- C3:
- C4:
- C5: (from the ethyl on C3)
- Branch: (ethyl) at C3
Longest chain = hex-2-ene backbone? Let's count:
- If we take the chain through C3 and the ethyl: = 5 carbons (pent-2-ene) with ethyl at C3.
- Or take the longer path: ... no, the ethyl is .
Longest chain = 5 carbons: → 3-Ethylpent-2-ene
Structure of A:
IUPAC Name: 3-Ethylpent-2-ene
9.6An alkene 'A' contains three C–C, eight C–H σ bonds and one C=C π bond. 'A' on ozonolysis gives two moles of an aldehyde of molar mass 44 u. Write IUPAC name of 'A'.Show solution
- Alkene A: 3 C–C σ bonds, 8 C–H σ bonds, 1 C=C π bond
- Ozonolysis gives 2 mol of same aldehyde with molar mass = 44 u
Step 1: Find the aldehyde.
Molar mass of aldehyde = 44 u
If aldehyde is :
So aldehyde = = Ethanal (), molar mass = ✓
Step 2: Reconstruct alkene A.
Since ozonolysis gives 2 moles of ethanal, both carbons of the double bond must give . This means:
So A = But-2-ene:
Step 3: Verify bond count for but-2-ene.
- C–C σ bonds: C1–C2, C2=C3 (σ part), C3–C4 → 3 C–C σ bonds ✓
- C–H σ bonds: 3(C1) + 1(C2) + 1(C3) + 3(C4) = 8 C–H bonds ✓
- C=C π bond: 1 ✓
IUPAC Name of A: But-2-ene
9.7Propanal and pentan-3-one are the ozonolysis products of an alkene. What is the structural formula of the alkene?Show solution
- Propanal: (aldehyde, so the double bond carbon had one H)
- Pentan-3-one: (ketone, so the double bond carbon had no H)
Concept: Reconnect the two carbonyl carbons with a C=C double bond.
- From propanal: (C3 of propanal becomes one end of double bond)
- From pentan-3-one: ...
Pentan-3-one: . The carbonyl carbon (C3) is flanked by two ethyl groups. In the alkene, this becomes .
Structural formula of alkene:
This is:
Verification by ozonolysis:
- Left fragment: = Propanal ✓
- Right fragment: = Pentan-3-one ✓
IUPAC Name: 3-Ethylpent-2-ene
Structural Formula:
9.8Write chemical equations for combustion reaction of the following hydrocarbons:
(i) Butane
(ii) Pentene
(iii) Hexyne
(iv) TolueneShow solution
General equation:
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(i) Butane ():
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(ii) Pentene ():
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(iii) Hexyne ():
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(iv) Toluene ():
9.9Draw the cis and trans structures of hex-2-ene. Which isomer will have higher b.p. and why?Show solution
Cis-hex-2-ene (both larger groups on same side):
In cis isomer: and are on the same side of the double bond.
Trans-hex-2-ene (larger groups on opposite sides):
In trans isomer: and are on opposite sides.
Which has higher boiling point?
Cis-hex-2-ene has a higher boiling point.
Reason: The cis isomer is a polar molecule (the bond dipoles do not cancel), resulting in a net dipole moment. This leads to stronger intermolecular dipole–dipole interactions, requiring more energy to overcome. The trans isomer is non-polar (dipoles cancel due to symmetry), so it has weaker intermolecular forces and a lower boiling point.
9.10Why is benzene extraordinarily stable though it contains three double bonds?Show solution
Benzene () is extraordinarily stable due to the phenomenon of resonance (delocalization of π electrons).
Reasons for extra stability:
1. Resonance/Delocalization: Benzene cannot be represented by a single Kekulé structure. The six π electrons are completely delocalized over all six carbon atoms forming a continuous ring of electron cloud above and below the plane of the ring. This delocalization lowers the energy of the molecule significantly.
2. Resonance Energy: The actual benzene is more stable than either of the two Kekulé structures by about 150 kJ/mol. This extra stability is called the resonance energy or delocalization energy.
3. Equal Bond Lengths: All C–C bond lengths in benzene are equal (139 pm), intermediate between a C–C single bond (154 pm) and C=C double bond (134 pm), confirming complete delocalization.
4. Hückel's Rule: Benzene has electrons with (i.e., electrons), satisfying the aromaticity criterion, which confers special stability.
Due to this aromatic stability, benzene prefers electrophilic substitution over addition reactions, as substitution preserves the aromatic system.
9.11What are the necessary conditions for any system to be aromatic?Show solution
A compound is said to be aromatic if it satisfies all of the following conditions:
1. Planarity: The molecule must be planar (all atoms in the ring lie in the same plane).
2. Complete conjugation: The molecule must have a completely conjugated system of electrons (every atom in the ring must have a -orbital participating in conjugation — i.e., continuous cyclic conjugation).
3. Hückel's Rule — electrons: The cyclic conjugated system must contain electrons, where (a whole number).
- For : electrons (e.g., cyclopropenyl cation)
- For : electrons (e.g., benzene)
- For : electrons (e.g., naphthalene)
Summary: A compound is aromatic if it is cyclic, planar, completely conjugated, and has electrons.
9.12Explain why the following systems are not aromatic:
(i) Cyclopentadiene (a five-membered ring with one sp³ CH₂ group)
(ii) A system with 8π electrons (cyclooctatetraene type)
(iii) A bicyclic or cross-conjugated systemShow solution
- (i) Cyclopenta-1,3-diene (cyclopentadiene)
- (ii) Cycloocta-1,3,5,7-tetraene (cyclooctatetraene, COT)
- (iii) A cyclopropenyl anion or a non-planar system
Standard NCERT answer:
(i) Cyclopenta-1,3-diene:
This molecule has a group in the ring. The carbon of is hybridized and does not have a -orbital available for conjugation. Therefore, the electron system is not continuous/not completely conjugated. Since one of the necessary conditions for aromaticity (complete conjugation) is not met, it is not aromatic.
(ii) Cycloocta-1,3,5,7-tetraene (COT):
COT has electrons. According to Hückel's rule, an aromatic compound must have electrons. For electrons: , which is not a whole number. Therefore, COT does not satisfy Hückel's rule. Also, COT is tub-shaped (non-planar), so it is not aromatic (it is anti-aromatic if forced planar, with electrons where ).
(iii) The third system (likely a charged or bicyclic system):
If it is a system where the ring is not planar or the -orbitals cannot overlap continuously, then the condition of planarity and/or complete conjugation is violated. Without continuous overlap of -orbitals, delocalization is not possible, and the compound is not aromatic.
Conclusion: All three systems fail to satisfy one or more of the necessary conditions for aromaticity: planarity, complete conjugation, and electrons.
9.13How will you convert benzene into:
(i) p-nitrobromobenzene
(ii) m-nitrochlorobenzene
(iii) p-nitrotoluene
(iv) acetophenone?Show solution
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(i) p-Nitrobromobenzene:
Bromine is an ortho/para director. Nitro group is a meta director.
To get the para product, first introduce (o/p director), then nitrate:
Step 1: Bromination of benzene
Step 2: Nitration of bromobenzene (Br directs NO₂ to ortho/para; separate para product)
Product: p-Nitrobromobenzene
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(ii) m-Nitrochlorobenzene:
To get meta product, we need a meta director already present. is a meta director.
Step 1: Nitration of benzene
Step 2: Chlorination of nitrobenzene ( directs to meta position)
Product: m-Nitrochlorobenzene
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(iii) p-Nitrotoluene:
is an ortho/para director.
Step 1: Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene
Step 2: Nitration of toluene ( directs to ortho/para; separate para product)
Product: p-Nitrotoluene
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(iv) Acetophenone ():
Friedel-Crafts acylation:
Or using acetic anhydride:
Product: Acetophenone
9.14In the alkane H₃C–CH₂–C(CH₃)₂–CH₂–CH(CH₃)₂, identify 1°, 2°, 3° carbon atoms and give the number of H atoms bonded to each one of these.Show solution
Let us label each carbon:
Classification:
| Carbon | Type | Connected to | No. of H atoms |
|--------|------|-------------|----------------|
| (a) | 1° (Primary) | 1 carbon (b) | 3 H |
| (b) | 2° (Secondary) | 2 carbons (a, c) | 2 H |
| (c) | 3° (Tertiary) | Wait — C(c) is bonded to (b), (d), (d), and (e) = 4 carbons → Quaternary | 0 H |
| (d) (×2) | 1° (Primary) | 1 carbon (c) | 3 H each |
| (e) | 2° (Secondary) | 2 carbons (c, f) | 2 H |
| (f) | 3° (Tertiary) | 3 carbons (e, g, g) | 1 H |
| (g) (×2) | 1° (Primary) | 1 carbon (f) | 3 H each |
Summary:
- Primary (1°) carbons: (a), (d)×2, (g)×2 — each has 3 H atoms
- Secondary (2°) carbons: (b), (e) — each has 2 H atoms
- Tertiary (3°) carbon: (f) — has 1 H atom
- Quaternary carbon: (c) — has 0 H atoms
9.15What effect does branching of an alkane chain have on its boiling point?Show solution
Branching decreases the boiling point of an alkane.
Reason:
The boiling point of alkanes depends on the strength of van der Waals (London dispersion) forces between molecules. These forces depend on the surface area of contact between molecules.
- A straight-chain (unbranched) alkane has a larger surface area, allowing greater contact between molecules, leading to stronger van der Waals forces and a higher boiling point.
- A branched alkane has a more compact, spherical shape with a smaller surface area. This reduces the contact area between molecules, weakening the van der Waals forces, and resulting in a lower boiling point.
Example:
- -Butane (straight chain): b.p. =
- Isobutane (2-methylpropane, branched): b.p. =
Thus, greater the branching, lower the boiling point.
9.16Addition of HBr to propene yields 2-bromopropane, while in the presence of benzoyl peroxide, the same reaction yields 1-bromopropane. Explain and give mechanism.Show solution
- (2-bromopropane)
- (1-bromopropane)
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Case 1: Without peroxide — Ionic (Electrophilic Addition) — Markovnikov's Rule
HBr adds according to Markovnikov's rule: adds to the carbon with more H atoms (C1), and adds to C2 (more substituted carbon, forming more stable secondary carbocation).
Mechanism:
Step 1: Electrophilic attack of on C1:
Step 2: Nucleophilic attack of :
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Case 2: With benzoyl peroxide — Free Radical Addition — Anti-Markovnikov (Peroxide/Kharasch Effect)
Benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals. (bromine radical) adds first to C1 (less substituted end), forming the more stable secondary carbon radical at C2.
Mechanism:
Initiation:
Propagation:
Step 1: adds to C1 (terminal carbon) to give more stable 2° radical:
Step 2: The radical abstracts H from HBr:
Termination: Combination of radicals.
Product: = 1-bromopropane (Anti-Markovnikov product)
Conclusion: In the presence of peroxides, the reaction follows a free radical mechanism giving the anti-Markovnikov product (1-bromopropane). Without peroxides, ionic mechanism gives the Markovnikov product (2-bromopropane).
9.17Write down the products of ozonolysis of 1,2-dimethylbenzene (o-xylene). How does the result support Kekulé structure for benzene?Show solution
Structure of o-xylene: A benzene ring with groups at positions 1 and 2.
Ozonolysis of o-xylene:
Kekulé proposed two structures for benzene with alternating single and double bonds. For o-xylene, the two Kekulé structures place the double bond between C1–C2 in one structure and between C2–C3 (i.e., not between C1–C2) in the other.
Kekulé Structure 1 (double bond between C1 and C2, i.e., between the two -bearing carbons):
Ozonolysis of this double bond gives:
Actually, complete ozonolysis of o-xylene (treating the ring as having 3 double bonds per Kekulé structure) gives:
For Kekulé structure with double bond at C1=C2:
- Cleavage at C1=C2 gives a dialdehyde/diketone fragment.
The ozonolysis of o-xylene gives glyoxal () and methylglyoxal () as products, consistent with the Kekulé structure having a double bond between C1 and C2.
More precisely, complete ozonolysis of o-xylene gives:
The products obtained are 3-oxobutanal (methylglyoxal, ) and ethanedial (glyoxal, ), which are consistent with the Kekulé structure.
Support for Kekulé structure:
The ozonolysis products confirm the presence of C=C double bonds at specific positions in the ring as predicted by the Kekulé structure. The fact that two different sets of products can be obtained (corresponding to the two Kekulé structures) supports the concept of resonance between the two Kekulé forms. The actual benzene is a resonance hybrid of both Kekulé structures.
9.18Arrange benzene, n-hexane and ethyne in decreasing order of acidic behaviour. Also give reason for this behaviour.Show solution
Decreasing order of acidity:
\text{Ethyne} > \text{Benzene} > n\text{-Hexane}
Reason:
Acidic character of a C–H bond depends on the hybridization of the carbon atom. Greater the -character of the hybrid orbital, the closer the electrons are to the nucleus, the more electronegative the carbon, and the more easily it releases (i.e., more acidic).
| Compound | Hybridization of C | -character | Relative Acidity |
|----------|-------------------|---------------|------------------|
| Ethyne () | | 50% | Highest |
| Benzene () | | 33.3% | Intermediate |
| -Hexane () | | 25% | Lowest |
- Ethyne ( carbon, 50% -character): Most electronegative carbon, holds the bonding electrons closest to nucleus → most acidic C–H bond.
- Benzene ( carbon, 33.3% -character): Moderately acidic.
- -Hexane ( carbon, 25% -character): Least electronegative carbon → least acidic.
Decreasing order: Ethyne > Benzene > -Hexane
9.19Why does benzene undergo electrophilic substitution reactions easily and nucleophilic substitutions with difficulty?Show solution
Benzene undergoes electrophilic substitution easily because:
1. Benzene has a high electron density above and below the plane of the ring due to the delocalized electron cloud (6 electrons).
2. This electron-rich system attracts electrophiles () readily.
3. The reaction proceeds via electrophilic substitution (rather than addition) because substitution preserves the aromatic stability (the delocalized system is restored after the reaction), whereas addition would destroy aromaticity.
Benzene undergoes nucleophilic substitution with difficulty because:
1. Nucleophiles are electron-rich species. The electron-rich cloud of benzene repels nucleophiles.
2. There is no low-energy pathway for a nucleophile to attack the electron-dense benzene ring.
3. Nucleophilic substitution would require the ring to become even more electron-rich in the transition state, which is energetically unfavorable.
Conclusion: The high electron density of the aromatic system makes benzene reactive toward electron-seeking electrophiles but unreactive toward electron-donating nucleophiles.
9.20How would you convert the following compounds into benzene?
(i) Ethyne
(ii) Ethene
(iii) HexaneShow solution
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(i) Ethyne → Benzene:
Ethyne undergoes cyclic trimerization (ethynylation/trimerization) when passed through a red-hot iron tube at 873 K:
This is the Berthelot reaction (trimerization of acetylene).
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(ii) Ethene → Benzene:
Ethene cannot be directly converted to benzene in one step. The route is:
Step 1: Convert ethene to ethyne by dehydrogenation (or via halogenation and double dehydrohalogenation):
Step 2: Trimerization of ethyne:
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(iii) Hexane → Benzene:
-Hexane undergoes dehydrogenation and cyclization (aromatization/reforming) in the presence of a catalyst:
This process is called catalytic reforming or dehydrocyclization.
9.21Write structures of all the alkenes which on hydrogenation give 2-methylbutane.Show solution
Structure of 2-methylbutane:
To find all alkenes that give 2-methylbutane on hydrogenation, we remove from adjacent carbons in all possible ways:
1. 2-Methylbut-1-ene: (remove H₂ from C1 and C2)
2. 2-Methylbut-2-ene: (remove H₂ from C2 and C3)
3. 3-Methylbut-1-ene: (remove H₂ from C1 and C2 of the main chain, considering the isomer)
*(Note: This is a structural isomer — 3-methylbut-1-ene — which on hydrogenation gives 2-methylbutane.)*
Summary of all alkenes:
1. — 2-Methylbut-1-ene
2. — 2-Methylbut-2-ene
3. — 3-Methylbut-1-ene
All three alkenes on hydrogenation (/Ni) give 2-methylbutane.
9.22Arrange the following set of compounds in order of their decreasing relative reactivity with an electrophile, E⁺:
(a) Chlorobenzene, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, p-nitrochlorobenzene
(b) Toluene, p-H₃C–C₆H₄–NO₂, p-O₂N–C₆H₄–NO₂Show solution
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(a) Chlorobenzene, 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene, p-Nitrochlorobenzene:
- Chlorobenzene (): is weakly deactivating (EWG by induction, but o/p director by resonance). Moderately reactive.
- p-Nitrochlorobenzene (---): One group (strong EWG) deactivates the ring significantly.
- 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (---): Two groups (strong EWG) deactivate the ring most strongly.
Decreasing order of reactivity:
\text{Chlorobenzene} > p\text{-Nitrochlorobenzene} > 2,4\text{-Dinitrochlorobenzene}
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(b) Toluene, p-H₃C–C₆H₄–NO₂, p-O₂N–C₆H₄–NO₂:
- Toluene (): is an EDG (electron-donating by hyperconjugation and induction) → activates ring → most reactive.
- p-Nitrotoluene (---): Has both (EDG) and (EWG). The effect dominates → ring is deactivated compared to toluene.
- p-Dinitrobenzene (---): Two groups → strongly deactivated → least reactive.
Decreasing order of reactivity:
\text{Toluene} > p\text{-}CH_3C_6H_4NO_2 > p\text{-}O_2NC_6H_4NO_2
9.23Out of benzene, m-dinitrobenzene and toluene which will undergo nitration most easily and why?Show solution
Reason:
- Toluene (): The methyl group () is an electron-donating group (EDG). It donates electrons to the benzene ring through hyperconjugation and inductive effect, increasing the electron density of the ring. This makes the ring more reactive toward electrophilic attack (by , the nitronium ion). → Most reactive.
- Benzene (): No substituent; moderate reactivity. → Intermediate reactivity.
- m-Dinitrobenzene (-): Two nitro groups () are strong electron-withdrawing groups (EWG). They withdraw electron density from the ring by both inductive and resonance effects, making the ring electron-poor and strongly deactivated toward electrophilic substitution. → Least reactive.
Order of ease of nitration:
\text{Toluene} > \text{Benzene} > m\text{-Dinitrobenzene}
9.24Suggest the name of a Lewis acid other than anhydrous aluminium chloride which can be used during ethylation of benzene.Show solution
Concept: A Lewis acid accepts an electron pair and helps generate the carbocation (electrophile) from the alkyl halide.
Lewis acids that can be used (other than ):
- Ferric chloride ()
- Boron trifluoride ()
- Zinc chloride ()
- Stannic chloride ()
Answer: Any one of the following Lewis acids can be used:
For example, Ferric chloride () or Boron trifluoride () can be used as the Lewis acid catalyst for ethylation of benzene.
9.25Why is Wurtz reaction not preferred for the preparation of alkanes containing odd number of carbon atoms? Illustrate your answer by taking one example.Show solution
Reason:
Wurtz reaction involves coupling of two alkyl halides with sodium metal. If we use two different alkyl halides (say and ) to prepare an alkane with an odd number of carbons, the reaction gives a mixture of three products:
1. (from coupling of two molecules)
2. (from coupling of two molecules)
3. (the desired product, from coupling of and )
Separating the desired product from this mixture is difficult, making the reaction impractical and inefficient for odd-carbon alkanes.
Illustration:
To prepare propane (, 3 carbons — odd) using Wurtz reaction, we need to couple (methyl halide, 1C) and (ethyl halide, 2C):
Products formed:
1. (ethane) — from
2. (butane) — from
3. (propane) — desired product
Since all three products are formed simultaneously, the yield of propane is low and separation is difficult.
Conclusion: Wurtz reaction is not preferred for alkanes with an odd number of carbon atoms because it gives a mixture of products that are difficult to separate.
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Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for Odisha Board Class 11 Chemistry.