Identify A and B in the following sequence of reaction [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
Answer
(2) [figure]
Solution
[figure]
Cl2/h : free-radical substitution of the side-chain (benzylic) H atoms ⇒ -CH3 -CHCl2 (A)
Hydrolysis at 373 K: -CHCl2 -CH(OH)2 (gem-diol, unstable) -H2O -CHO (B)
∵ A gem-dihalide on hydrolysis gives a carbonyl compound (commercial method for benzaldehyde)
Answer: (2)