Question

When chlorobenzene is treated with NH₃ in the presence of Cu₂O at 202^oC and 60 mm atm pressure, what would be the product formed?

Answer 1

Hint: The three main uses of chlorobenzene are as a solvent, a degreaser, and a chemical intermediary. An aromatic, almond-like odour emanates from the colourless, flammable liquid known as chlorobenzene. While some of it dissolves in water, the majority quickly evaporates into the air. When it reacts with NH₃ in the presence of Cu₂O at 202^oC and 60 mm atm pressure it forms aniline along with and water.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
An aromatic organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₅Cl is chlorobenzene. Its common name is phenyl chloride. This volatile, colourless liquid is a common solvent and a crucial step in the production of other compounds.

As a byproduct of the reductive chlorination of di- and tri chlorobenzenes, chlorobenzene is created by chlorinating benzene in the presence of a catalyst. This substance is widely employed in the production of phenol, aniline, and DDT as well as as a paint solvent and a heat transfer medium.

When chlorobenzene is heated with NH₃ in the presence of Cu₂O (Cuprous oxide) at 202^o C and 60 mm atm pressure, Cl leaves chlorobenzene as Cl is a better leaving group. NH₂ (from NH₃ ) attacks Cl bonds in chlorobenzene and forms aniline along with Cu₂Cl₂ and water. Aniline is the common name of amino benzene. Chlorobenzene interacts with water or ammonia at high pressures and temperatures, which causes the chlorine atom to be displaced and results in the formation of phenol or aniline.

Note: Chlorobenzene belongs to the functional group of Halides. The polarity of chlorobenzene is one of its most significant characteristics. Chlorobenzene is polar, with carbon having a partial positive charge and chlorine having a partial negative charge because chlorine is more electronegative than carbon. The majority of aryl halides and chlorobenzene are not soluble in water.