Identify A and B in the following sequence of reaction
(A)(see structure)AB
(B)(see structure)AB✓ Correct
(C)(see structure)AB
(D)(see structure)AB
Answer: (B)
Solution
Toluene undergoes free-radical chlorination at the benzylic (side-chain) position under Cl2/hν, converting the −CH3 group step by step into −CHCl2 (benzal chloride), which is compound A. Hydrolysis of a gem-dichloride (−CHCl2) with H2O at 373 K gives the corresponding aldehyde −CHO (benzaldehyde), compound B: