Question

Identify reactant (A) used in the following conversion.
Chlorobenzene + A $\xrightarrow{\text{anhydrous AlCl}_3}$ 1-Chloroacetophenone + 4-Chloroacetophenone

• A. used in the following conversion.
• B. Acetophenone
• C. Acetic acid
• D. Acetyl chloride

Hint:

When you see anhydrous $\text{AlCl}_3$ and the product is a ketone attached to a benzene ring, look immediately for an acid chloride (like acetyl chloride) in the options!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Spot the catalyst clue.
Anhydrous $\text{AlCl}_3$ points to a Friedel-Crafts reaction. The products are acetophenones, which carry an acetyl group.

Step 2: Pick the acylating agent.
To add the $\text{COCH}_3$ group we use acetyl chloride, $\text{CH}_3\text{COCl}$.

Step 3: Confirm.
The acetyl chloride and $\text{AlCl}_3$ make an acylium ion that attaches at the ortho and para spots, giving the two chloroacetophenones.
\[ \boxed{\text{Acetyl chloride}} \]