COMEDK2025ChemistryHaloalkanes and HaloarenesActual
Identify the product formed when the following reaction occurs. ?
Options
- A2, 4-Dichloroethylbenzene.
- B1, 2-Dichloro-1-phenylethane.
- C1, 1-Dichloro-1-phenylethane.
- D2,3-Dichloroethylbenzene.
Correct answer
C. 1, 1-Dichloro-1-phenylethane.
Step-by-step solution
The reaction of ethylbenzene with excess Cl₂ in the presence of hv (ultraviolet light) is a free radical substitution reaction. The reaction occurs at the benzylic position because the resulting benzylic radical is resonance-stabilized by the benzene ring. The first step involves the abstraction of a hydrogen atom from the benzylic carbon ( CH₂ ) to form a 1-phenylethyl radical, which then reacts with Cl₂ to form 1-chloro-1-phenylethane. Since the reagent Cl₂ is in excess, the reaction continues at the same benzyli