Hydrolysis of Benzo Trichloride in the Presence of Alkali (KOH)

Benzo trichloride is a colorless, oily liquid that is used in the production of various chemicals. When it undergoes hydrolysis in the presence of alkali, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH), several products are formed.

Step-by-Step Procedure

The hydrolysis of benzo trichloride with KOH can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Formation of Benzoic Acid
When benzo trichloride is hydrolyzed with KOH, the first product that is formed is benzoic acid. This is because the hydroxide ion (OH-) from KOH attacks one of the chlorine atoms on the benzo trichloride molecule, forming a chloride ion (Cl-) and a hydroxyl group (OH) on the benzoic acid molecule. The reaction can be represented as follows:

C6H5CCl3 + KOH → C6H5COOH + KCl + H2O

2. Formation of Phenol
In the next step, the benzoic acid molecule is further hydrolyzed by KOH to form phenol. This occurs when the hydroxide ion attacks the carbonyl (C=O) group on the benzoic acid, causing it to break down into a carboxylate ion (RCO2-) and a hydroxyl group (OH). The carboxylate ion then reacts with another hydroxide ion to form phenoxide ion (C6H5O-), which is then protonated by water to form phenol. The reaction can be represented as follows:

C6H5COOH + KOH → C6H5OH + KRCO2 + H2O
KRCO2 + KOH → K2CO3 + RCO2H
C6H5O- + H2O → C6H5OH + OH-

3. Formation of Carbon Dioxide
In the final step, any remaining hydroxide ion reacts with carbon dioxide (CO2) to form bicarbonate ion (HCO3-). The reaction can be represented as follows:

CO2 + KOH → K2CO3
K2CO3 + H2O → 2K+ + 2OH- + CO2
2OH- + CO2 → HCO3- + H2O

Conclusion

In summary, the hydrolysis of benzo trichloride with KOH results in the formation of benzoic acid, phenol, and carbon dioxide. These products have various industrial applications, such as in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and dyes.