4 - Benzene And Its Reactions

Question 0

How does the nitration of benzene work, and what conditions does it require?

Answer 0

C6H6 + HNO3 -> C6H5NO2. H2SO4 catalyst at 50 C.

Question 1

Why do benzene take place in electrophilic substitution?

Answer 1

Benzene is electron dense, so it attracts electrophilic (which are attracted to electrons). An electrophilic is an electron pair acceptor.

Question 2

How do you start the nitration process? What conditions?

Answer 2

Concentrated Nitric Acid + Concentrated sulphuric acids are mixed tougher, and kept at less than 50 C (H2SO4 + HNO3). Benzene is then added, and it remains under 50 C. A reflux condenser is then added.

Question 3

What happens if the temperature gets above 50’C in reflux condenser?

Answer 3

More than 1 -NO2 group may be added if it gets above 50 C.

Question 4

What is Nitrobenzene used for?

Answer 4

Preparation for dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.

Question 5

What can Methylbenzene (Toluene) be nitrated to?

Answer 5

Toluene can faster be nitrated into TNT - Trinitrotoluene.

Question 6

What does benzene require to react? How does this reaction occur? Why does it need them?

Answer 6

Benzene reacts with halogen carriers (catalysts). They may be FeX3 or AlX3. They react by polarising the halogen molecules that’s reacting. Benzene won’t react with halogens unless a halogen carrier is present.