Benzoic acid can be prepared by oxidation of tert-Butyl benzene.a)True...
tert-Butyl benzene consists of a tertiary group with no benzylic H. It is highly stable and does not undergo oxidation even under drastic conditions, to give aromatic carboxylic acids.
Benzoic acid can be prepared by oxidation of tert-Butyl benzene.a)True...
Answer:
Introduction:
Benzoic acid is a carboxylic acid that consists of a benzene ring with a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to it. It is used in various industries, including food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes. One of the methods to prepare benzoic acid is through the oxidation of tert-butylbenzene.
Oxidation of tert-Butylbenzene:
The oxidation of tert-butylbenzene involves the conversion of the tert-butyl group (-C(CH3)3) to a carboxyl group (-COOH). This reaction can be achieved by using a strong oxidizing agent, such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Reaction Mechanism:
1. The tert-butylbenzene molecule reacts with the oxidizing agent (KMnO4 or K2Cr2O7) and acid catalyst (H2SO4) to form a benzylic carbocation intermediate.
2. The benzylic carbocation intermediate undergoes rearrangement to form the more stable carbocation.
3. The carbocation is then attacked by water (H2O) to form a tert-butyl alcohol intermediate.
4. The tert-butyl alcohol intermediate undergoes further oxidation by the oxidizing agent to form the benzoic acid product.
Explanation of the Correct Answer:
The correct answer is option 'B' - False. Benzoic acid cannot be prepared by the oxidation of tert-butylbenzene. The oxidation of tert-butylbenzene leads to the formation of tert-butyl alcohol, not benzoic acid. This is because the tert-butyl group is oxidized to a carboxyl group, resulting in the formation of tert-butyl alcohol. To obtain benzoic acid, other methods such as the oxidation of toluene or the hydrolysis of benzaldehyde can be employed.
Conclusion:
In summary, benzoic acid cannot be prepared by the oxidation of tert-butylbenzene. The oxidation of tert-butylbenzene leads to the formation of tert-butyl alcohol, not benzoic acid. Other methods, such as the oxidation of toluene or the hydrolysis of benzaldehyde, are used to prepare benzoic acid.