Question

Which of the following represents the Stephan Reaction?

• A. \( C_6H_5CH_2Cl \xrightarrow{NaOH} C_6H_5CH_2OH \)
• B. \( C_6H_5Cl \xrightarrow{NaOH} C_6H_5OH \)
• C. \( C_6H_5Cl \xrightarrow{AlCl_3} C_6H_5CH_3 \)
• D. \( C_6H_5CH_3 \xrightarrow{NaOCl} C_6H_5Cl \)

Hint:

The Stephan Reaction is a type of nucleophilic substitution, where a halide group (Cl) is replaced by a hydroxyl group (OH) using a strong base like NaOH. This is an important reaction in organic synthesis for preparing phenolic compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Stephan Reaction entails replacing a halogen, typically chlorine, on an aromatic ring with an alcohol group. This transformation is usually facilitated by a potent base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH).The generalized equation for the Stephan reaction is:\[C_6H_5Cl + NaOH \rightarrow C_6H_5OH + NaCl.\]In this specific case, chlorobenzene reacts with sodium hydroxide to yield phenol (C6H5OH) and sodium chloride (NaCl). This exemplifies a nucleophilic substitution reaction, wherein the hydroxide ion from NaOH substitutes the chlorine atom in chlorobenzene.Consequently, option (2) accurately depicts the reaction.