Question

Conversion of benzene diazonium chloride to chloro benzene is an example of which of the following reactions ?

• A. Claisen
• B. Friedel-craft
• C. Sandmeyer
• D. Wurtz

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The conversion of benzene diazonium chloride to chlorobenzene is a classic example of the Sandmeyer reaction. Let's explore why the Sandmeyer reaction is the correct answer.

1. Understanding the Sandmeyer Reaction:
   • The Sandmeyer reaction involves the substitution of the diazonium group in an aromatic compound with a halide ion.
   • It is specifically used for the transformation of diazonium salts into aryl halides.
2. Specific Reaction Involved:
   • The chemical equation for this transformation is as follows:
   • C_6H_5N_2^+Cl^- + CuCl \rightarrow C_6H_5Cl + N_2 + Cu^+
   • In this reaction, copper(I) chloride (CuCl) acts as a catalyst to facilitate the replacement of the diazonium group with a chlorine atom, resulting in chlorobenzene.
3. Justification for Other Options:
   • Claisen reaction: This reaction involves the condensation between two esters or an ester and a ketone in the presence of a strong base, which is unrelated to the transformation of diazonium salts.
   • Friedel-Craft reaction: This is a type of electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction used to introduce alkyl or acyl groups into aromatic rings, but it doesn't involve diazonium salts.
   • Wurtz reaction: This is a coupling reaction used to form alkanes from alkyl halides, not applicable to the conversion of diazonium salts to halobenzenes.
4. Conclusion:
   • Based on the above explanation, the conversion of benzene diazonium chloride to chlorobenzene is best described by the Sandmeyer reaction.