Question

Toluene $({C_7}{H_8})$ is methyl derivative of benzene. Which alkane do you suggest for preparation of toluene?

Answer 1

Hint: To solve this question, we must first understand the whole concept of preparation of Toluene. Then we need to step forward according to the process and then only we can have our correct answer.

Complete step-by-step answer: Before we move forward with the solution of this given question, let us first understand some basic details about Toluene:
Toluene, also known as toluol, is an aromatic hydrocarbon. Its IUPAC name is methylbenzene. Toluene is predominantly used as an industrial feedstock and a solvent. It is a colorless, water-insoluble liquid with the smell associated with paint thinners. It is a mono-substituted benzene derivative, consisting of a methyl group $(C{H_3})$ attached to a phenyl group.
It can be prepared from the straight chain alkanes, when they are heated in the presence of $A{l_2}{O_3}$ and $C{r_2}{O_3}$ at around $500 - {600^ \circ }C$ . This results in the cyclization followed by dehydrogenation. The reaction results in the aromatization of alkanes.
The alkane used for this is n-heptane.
To understand the preparation, let’s go through it:
Step 1:Treat n-Heptane with $A{l_2}{O_3}$ and $C{r_2}{O_3}$ at $500 - {600^ \circ }C$ . And this will produce Methylcyclohexane.
n-Heptane $\xrightarrow[{{{600}^ \circ }C}]{{A{l_2}{O_3}/C{r_2}{O_3}}}$ Methylcyclohexane
Step 2: Now Methylcyclohexane will go under dehydrogenation, and we will get Toluene:
Methylcyclohexane $\xrightarrow[{}]{{ - 3{H_2}}}$ Methylbenzene (Toluene)

So, clearly we can conclude that the alkane used in preparation of Toluene is n-Heptane.

Note: Toluene is used as a solvent in many consumer products and is used in paint thinners, nail polish remover, glues, and correction fluid. Toluene has many applications in different branches of industry. The flammable, explosive compound known as TNT or trinitrotoluene is important in the explosives’ industry.