Question

Benzyl chloride when oxidised by Lead nitrate solution gives
A. Benzoic acid
B. Benzaldehyde
C. Benzene
D. None

Answer 1

Hint: Oxidation is the addition of oxygen to a compound.
It involves the loss of electrons increasing the oxidation state of a compound.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Here, we are given lead nitrate solution, a mild oxidising agent. It is not as powerful as potassium permanganate.
Lead nitrate solution when treated with benzyl chloride acts as an oxidising agent.
Benzyl chloride undergoes oxidation.

A. Benzoic acid
Lead nitrate solution is a mild oxidising agent. It can't convert benzyl chloride directly into benzoic acid.
So, A is incorrect.

B. Lead nitrate solution oxides benzyl chloride into benzaldehyde.
Benzaldehyde does not undergo further oxidation in the presence of a mild oxidizing agent like lead nitrate.
So, B is correct.

Image: Oxidation of benzyl chloride.

C. Lead nitrate is an oxidising agent that cannot convert benzyl alcohol to benzene.
It is only capable of oxidation.
So, C is incorrect.

So, option B is correct.

Additional Information: Benzyl chloride is a colourless organochlorine compound.
It is prepared by the photochemical reaction of chlorine with benzene.
This reaction follows a free radical mechanism.

Image: Formation of benzyl chloride

Note: While attempting the question, one must retain in mind that lead nitrate is a mild oxidising agent. When benzyl chloride reacts with alkaline potassium permanganate solution, it undergoes oxidation to form benzoic acid. This happens because of the presence of potassium permanganate which is a powerful oxidising agent. Benzyl chloride in the presence of mild oxidising agents like lead nitrate forms benzaldehyde.