Question

How do you convert benzaldehyde to benzophenone in exactly two steps?

Answer 1

Hint:As we know that organic compounds can be synthesised with the help of organic reaction. But in this question, it is mentioned that we have to convert these compounds in not more than two steps. Hence there are many reactions in chemistry that would give the desired product.

Complete step-by-step answer: Chemical reactions are defined as the reaction in which reactant bonds are broken and new bonds are formed within product molecules. It results in the formation of new substances.
In this question, we have to convert benzaldehyde into benzophenone in two steps-
Let us see the conversion,
Step One: in this step, the benzaldehyde is reacted with Grignard reagent followed by hydrolysis to get the desired result. Here, benzaldehyde is reacted with phenyl magnesium bromide. After that water is added and results in the formation of diphenylmethanol.
Let us see the reaction,

Step Two: in this step, the diphenylmethanol is oxidised by adding the reagent known as chromium trioxide. It results in the formation of benzophenone.
Let us see the reaction,

Additional information:
Benzophenone is a white solid organic compound that is soluble in organic solvents. It is widely used building block in organic chemistry.
Benzaldehyde is a colourless liquid that has almonds like odour. It is the simplest aromatic aldehyde.

Note:We should know about Grignard reagent. It is a strong nucleophile that behaves as a carbonyl compound having electrophiles. It can form carbon- carbon bonds. The formula of Grignard reagent is alkyl magnesium halide or aryl magnesium halide.