Benzene is treated with oleum to produce compound ( X ) which when further heated with molten sodium hydroxide followed by acidification produces compound (Y).The compound Y is treated with zinc metal to produce compound (Z). Identify the structure of compound (Z) from the following option.
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)✓ Correct
(C)(see structure)
(D)(see structure)
Answer: (B)
Solution
Benzene treated with oleum undergoes sulphonation to benzenesulphonic acid (X). Fusing this acid with molten sodium hydroxide and then acidifying replaces the sulphonic group by a hydroxyl group, giving phenol (Y). Passing phenol over zinc dust strips off the hydroxyl group and regenerates the parent arene, so compound Z is benzene.
JEE Main · 2025 · 04 Apr 2025 · Shift 1 · Single correct option
