What happened when benzene react with chlorine in the presence of sunl...
Benzene Reaction with Chlorine in the Presence of Sunlight
When benzene reacts with chlorine in the presence of sunlight, a substitution reaction occurs. The reaction between benzene and chlorine is an example of an electrophilic substitution reaction, where chlorine acts as an electrophile and benzene acts as a nucleophile.
Reaction Mechanism
- The first step involves the generation of a chlorine free radical through the homolytic cleavage of the chlorine molecule.
- The chlorine free radical then reacts with a benzene molecule, forming a highly reactive intermediate, a chlorobenzene radical.
- The chlorobenzene radical then reacts with a chlorine molecule, releasing hydrogen chloride and forming monochlorobenzene.
- The newly formed monochlorobenzene can undergo further chlorination reactions to form dichlorobenzene and trichlorobenzene.
Role of Sunlight
Sunlight is required for the reaction to take place because it provides the energy needed for the homolytic cleavage of the chlorine molecule and the formation of the chlorine free radical. Without sunlight, the reaction would not proceed.
Overall Reaction
The overall reaction can be represented as follows:
C6H6 + Cl2 → C6H5Cl + HCl
The reaction can also produce dichlorobenzene and trichlorobenzene, depending on the conditions and reactant concentrations.
Uses of Monochlorobenzene
Monochlorobenzene is an important industrial chemical used as a solvent, a precursor to many chemicals, and an intermediate in the production of dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.