Question

Identify A, B, and C in the following reactions:

Hint:

The reaction of toluene with chromium reagents like CrO₃ is a typical example of the oxidation of alkyl groups to carboxyl groups.

Answer 1

Toluene Oxidation and Derivative Synthesis

The process involves the oxidation of the methyl group in toluene (\({C6H5CH3}\)) to yield a carboxylic acid. The transformation sequence is detailed below:

1. Compound A is identified as benzoic acid (\({C6H5COOH}\)), produced via the oxidation of the methyl group to a carboxyl group.
2. Compound B is the benzoate ion (\({C6H5COO^-}\)), formed by the deprotonation of benzoic acid in a basic environment.
3. Compound C is the sodium salt of benzoic acid (\({C6H5COONa}\)), resulting from the reaction of benzoic acid with concentrated \({NaOH}\).

Overall Reaction Scheme:

1. Toluene oxidation: \[ {C6H5CH3} \xrightarrow{[O]} {C6H5COOH} \quad (\text{A}) \]

2. Ionization in aqueous basic medium: \[ {C6H5COOH} \rightleftharpoons {C6H5COO^-} + {H^+} \quad (\text{B}) \]

3. Reaction with sodium hydroxide: \[ {C6H5COOH} + {NaOH} \rightarrow {C6H5COONa} + {H2O} \quad (\text{C}) \]