Q.How the following conversions can be carried out?
(xiv) Isopropyl alcohol to iodoform
(xv) Chlorobenzene to p-nitrophenol
(xvi) 2-Bromopropane to 1-bromopropane
(xvii) Chloroethane to butane
(xviii) Benzene to diphenyl
(xix) tert-Butyl bromide to isobutyl bromide
(xx) Aniline to phenylisocyanide
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Markovnikov Addition
The Intuition First
Imagine you have an alkene — a carbon-carbon double bond. That double bond is like a crowded room with two doors. When a molecule like HBr comes along, it wants to break that double bond and add across it. The question is: which carbon gets the hydrogen, and which gets the bromine?
You might think it doesn't matter — after all, the two carbons look similar. But they aren't. One carbon usually has more alkyl groups (methyl, ethyl, etc.) attached to it than the other. That carbon is more "electron-rich" — it has more friends pushing electrons toward it.
The hydrogen, being small and positively charged, is picky. It goes to the carbon that already has more hydrogens. Why? Because that carbon is less crowded and can stabilise the positive charge that forms temporarily during the reaction. The bromine, being large and negatively charged, goes to the other carbon — the one with more alkyl groups.
That's the intuition: the rich get richer. The carbon with more hydrogens gets another hydrogen. The carbon with more alkyl groups gets the halogen.
The Precise Statement
Markovnikov's Rule: When an unsymmetrical reagent (like HX, H₂O, etc.) adds to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen atom attaches to the carbon of the double bond that already has the greater number of hydrogen atoms.
In other words, for an alkene like CH3CH=CH2 (propene) reacting with HBr:
- Carbon 1 (the CH₂ end) has 2 hydrogens.
- Carbon 2 (the CH end) has 1 hydrogen.
- The H goes to carbon 1 (more hydrogens).
- The Br goes to carbon 2 (fewer hydrogens).
So the product is CH3CHBrCH3 (2-bromopropane), not CH3CH2CH2Br (1-bromopropane).
Why Does This Happen? The Real Chemistry
The reaction proceeds through a carbocation intermediate. When the H⁺ attacks the double bond, it can form one of two possible carbocations:
- A primary carbocation (if H⁺ goes to the more substituted carbon) — unstable.
- A secondary carbocation (if H⁺ goes to the less substituted carbon) — more stable.
The reaction chooses the path that gives the more stable carbocation. Alkyl groups stabilise carbocations through hyperconjugation and inductive effect — they donate electron density to the positively charged carbon.
The stability order of carbocations is: tertiary > secondary > primary > methyl. Markovnikov addition always proceeds through the most stable carbocation possible.
A Common Misconception
Many students think Markovnikov's rule means "hydrogen goes to the carbon with more hydrogens" because that carbon already has more hydrogens. That's backwards. The hydrogen goes there because that path leads to a more stable carbocation — the number of hydrogens is just a convenient way to predict the outcome, not the cause.
The One Big Exception …
Why this formula?
Markovnikov Addition: Why the Rule Holds
Markovnikov's rule is not a formula in the algebraic sense — it's a predictive principle for electrophilic addition to unsymmetrical alkenes. The "why" comes from carbocation stability and reaction mechanism.
The Rule in Words
When H–X adds to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen attaches to the carbon with more hydrogen atoms already attached, and the halogen (or X group) attaches to the carbon with fewer hydrogen atoms.
Example:
Propene (CHX3−CH=CHX2) + HBr → 2-bromopropane (major product), not 1-bromopropane.
Why This Happens: The Step-by-Step Reasoning
1. The Mechanism (Electrophilic Addition)
The reaction proceeds in two steps:
- Slow step (rate-determining): The alkene's π bond attacks the electrophilic HX+ from H–X, forming a carbocation intermediate.
- Fast step: The carbocation is attacked by the nucleophilic XX−.
2. The Key: Carbocation Stability
The more stable carbocation intermediate forms faster and determines the major product.
| Carbocation Type | Stability Order | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Tertiary (3∘) | Most stable | +3 alkyl groups donate electron density via hyperconjugation and inductive effect |
| Secondary (2∘) | Intermediate | +2 alkyl groups |
| Primary (1∘) | Least stable | +1 alkyl group |
| Methyl (CHX3X+) | Unstable | No alkyl stabilization |
3. Applying to Propene + HBr
Propene: CHX3−CH=CHX2
Two possible protonation sites:
- Path A (Markovnikov): HX+ adds to CHX2 (terminal carbon) → forms secondary carbocation:
CHX3−CHX+−CHX3(2∘)
- Path B (Anti-Markovnikov): HX+ adds to CH (middle carbon) → forms primary carbocation:
CHX3−CHX2−CHX2X+(1∘)
Result: The secondary carbocation is more stable (by ~25–30 kJ/mol), so Path A is faster. The BrX− then attacks the positively charged carbon, giving 2-bromopropane.
The "Formula" — A Stability-Based Prediction
There is no algebraic formula, but a decision rule:
Major product=Product from the more stable carbocation
For alkenes with alkyl substituents, the stability order is:
Tertiary>Secondary>Primary>Methyl …
Here are the conversions with the key reagent and reasoning for each.
(i) Propene → propan-1-ol
Concept: Anti-Markovnikov addition of water.
Treat propene with diborane (B2H6) followed by alkaline H2O2. The boron adds to the less substituted carbon, and oxidation gives the primary alcohol. …
This solution covers 20 organic conversions from NCERT/CBSE Class 12 syllabus. Each conversion is explained with the key reagent, reaction type, and step-by-step reasoning. The final answer for each part is given in a boxed format.
(i) Propene to propan-1-ol
Concept: Anti-Markovnikov addition of water to an alkene gives the primary alcohol. This is achieved via hydroboration-oxidation.
- Hydroboration: Propene (CH3CH=CH2) reacts with diborane (B2H6) in THF. Boron adds to the less substituted carbon (Markovnikov rule reversed due to sterics and electronics of boron). The intermediate is trialkylborane.
- Oxidation: The trialkylborane is treated with alkaline H2O2. The B-C bond is replaced by an O-H bond with retention of configuration, giving propan-1-ol (CH3CH2CH2OH). …
Markovnikov Addition — Concept & One Clear Method
Method: Electrophilic Addition (Markovnikov's Rule)
Rule: In the addition of HX to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen atom attaches to the carbon with more hydrogen atoms already, and the halogen attaches to the carbon with fewer hydrogen atoms.
(x) 2-Methyl-1-propene → 2-chloro-2-methylpropane
Step-by-step:
-
Identify the alkene:
CH2=C(CH3)2 (2-methyl-1-propene)
-
Apply Markovnikov's rule:
- The double bond is between C1 (CH2) and C2 (C(CH3)2).
- C1 has 2 H atoms, C2 has 0 H atoms.
- H⁺ adds to C1 (more H), Cl⁻ adds to C2 (less H).
-
Reaction:
CH2=C(CH3)2+HClMarkovnikovCH3−C(Cl)(CH3)2
- Product: 2-chloro-2-methylpropane (tert-butyl chloride)
Key insight: The carbocation intermediate forms on the more substituted carbon (tertiary), which is more stable — that's why Markovnikov addition happens.
Other conversions (brief method names)
| Conversion | Method |
|---|---|
| (i) Propene → propan-1-ol | Hydroboration-oxidation (anti-Markovnikov) |
| (ii) Ethanol → but-1-yne | Dehydration → Br₂ addition → dehydrohalogenation (to ethyne) → NaNH₂, then C₂H₅Br (acetylide alkylation) |
| (iii) 1-Bromopropane → 2-bromopropane | Dehydrohalogenation → HBr addition (Markovnikov) |
| (iv) Toluene → benzyl alcohol | Free-radical chlorination (Cl₂/hv) → hydrolysis (aq. NaOH) |
| (v) Benzene → 4-bromonitrobenzene | Bromination (Br₂/FeBr₃) → nitration (HNO₃/H₂SO₄), separate the para isomer |
| (vi) Benzyl alcohol → 2-phenylethanoic acid | PCl₅ → KCN (chain extension by one C) → acid hydrolysis |
| (vii) Ethanol → propanenitrile | PCl₅ (or SOCl₂) → alc. KCN |
| (viii) Aniline → chlorobenzene | Diazotization (NaNO₂/HCl, 0-5°C) → Sandmeyer reaction (CuCl) |
| (ix) 2-Chlorobutane → 3,4-dimethylhexane | Wurtz reaction (2Na, dry ether) |
| (xi) Ethyl chloride → propanoic acid | KCN → hydrolysis (H⁺/H₂O) |
Common Mistakes in Markovnikov Addition & Organic Conversions
Students often lose marks in these conversions due to conceptual confusion between Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov addition, reagent misuse, and ignoring reaction mechanisms. Below is a breakdown of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.
🧠 The Core Concept: Markovnikov vs. Anti-Markovnikov
Markovnikov's rule: In addition of HX to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen attaches to the carbon with more hydrogens already, and the halogen goes to the more substituted carbon.
Anti-Markovnikov: Achieved using peroxides (ROOR) or via hydroboration-oxidation — the opposite regiochemistry.
✗ Common Mistake #1: Confusing Markovnikov & Anti-Markovnikov Products
Example: Propene to propan-1-ol (i)
- Wrong approach: Direct hydration of propene gives propan-2-ol (Markovnikov product).
- Correct approach: Use hydroboration-oxidation (BH₃ / THF then H₂O₂ / OH⁻) — this gives anti-Markovnikov addition, yielding propan-1-ol.
How to avoid:
- For 1-ol from terminal alkene → always think hydroboration-oxidation.
- For 2-ol → acid-catalysed hydration (H₂O / H⁺).
✗ Common Mistake #2: Forgetting Peroxide Effect in HBr Addition
Example: 2-Methyl-1-propene to 2-chloro-2-methylpropane (x)
- Wrong: Using HBr with peroxide — that gives anti-Markovnikov product (1-bromo-2-methylpropane).
- Correct: Use HCl (no peroxide effect) or HBr without peroxide to get Markovnikov addition → 2-chloro-2-methylpropane.
How to avoid:
- HCl, HI → always Markovnikov (no peroxide effect).
- HBr → Markovnikov without peroxide, anti-Markovnikov with peroxide.
- Memorise: "Peroxide only flips HBr, not HCl or HI."
✗ Common Mistake #3: Using Wrong Reagent for Chain Elongation
Example: Ethanol to but-1-yne (ii)
- Wrong: Trying direct coupling — not possible.
- Correct route: Ethanol → (dehydration, conc. H₂SO₄) → ethene → (Br₂) → 1,2-dibromoethane → (2 eq. NaNH₂) → ethyne → (NaNH₂, then CH₃CH₂Br — ethyl bromide, NOT methyl bromide, which would only reach propyne) → but-1-yne.
How to avoid:
- For increasing carbon chain by 2, use alkyne formation + alkylation.
- Draw the carbon skeleton step-by-step.
✗ Common Mistake #4: Ignoring Rearrangements in SN1 Reactions
Example: 1-Bromopropane to 2-bromopropane (iii)
- Wrong: Direct SN2 with Br⁻ — that gives back 1-bromopropane (no change).
- Correct: 1-Bromopropane → (alc. KOH) → propene → (HBr, Markovnikov) → 2-bromopropane.
How to avoid:
- To shift halogen position, eliminate then add — never try direct substitution on a primary carbon to get secondary.
✗ Common Mistake #5: Using Wrong Oxidising Agent for Alcohol to Acid
Example: Toluene to benzyl alcohol (iv)
- Wrong: Using KMnO₄ or K₂Cr₂O₇ — that oxidises directly to benzoic acid, skipping benzyl alcohol.
- Correct: Use controlled oxidation: Toluene → (Cl₂ / light) → benzyl chloride → (aq. NaOH) → benzyl alcohol.
How to avoid:
- For alcohol from alkylbenzene: use free radical halogenation (Cl₂ / hv) then hydrolysis.
- For acid: use strong oxidiser (KMnO₄ / H⁺).
✗ Common Mistake #6: Forgetting Nitration Directing Effects
Example: Benzene to 4-bromonitrobenzene (v)
- Wrong: Nitration first — nitrobenzene's −NO2 is meta directing, so bromination gives 3-bromonitrobenzene, not the 4- (para) isomer.
- Correct: Benzene → (Br₂ / FeBr₃) → bromobenzene → (HNO₃ / H₂SO₄) → 4-bromonitrobenzene (Br is o/p directing, so NO2 enters mainly at the para position).
How to avoid:
- First install the o/p director, then nitrate.
- Memorise: "The group you put first decides where the second goes."
✗ Common Mistake #7: Using Wrong Reagent for Nitrile Formation
Example: Ethanol to propanenitrile (vii)
- Wrong: Direct reaction of ethanol with KCN — doesn't work.
- Correct: Ethanol → (PBr₃) → bromoethane → (alc. KCN) → propanenitrile.
How to avoid:
- To add CN⁻, you need a good leaving group (halide, tosylate).
- Alcohols need to be converted to halides first.
✗ Common Mistake #8: Forgetting Diazotisation Conditions
Example: Aniline to chlorobenzene (viii)
- Wrong: Direct chlorination of aniline — gives ortho/para substituted product.
- Correct: Aniline → (NaNO₂ / HCl, 0–5°C) → diazonium salt → (CuCl / HCl) → chlorobenzene (Sandmeyer reaction).
How to avoid:
- Amino group is strongly activating — must be converted to diazonium (which is a leaving group) for substitution. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 51 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.Observe the following I and II reactions Rate determining step in the reactions I, II respectively is (A) Cleavage of C–Cl bond in both I, II (B) Cleavage of C–Cl bond in I, attack of OH− in II (C) Attack of OH− in I, C–Cl bond cleavage in II (D) Attack of OH− in both I and II
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is identifying the rate-determining step (RDS) from the reaction mechanism. In I (SN1), the RDS is the cleavage of the C–Cl bond; in II (SN2), the RDS is the attack of OH⁻. The correct option is (B).
The question asks you to compare the rate-determining steps in two reactions, labelled I and II. Without seeing the exact structures, the pattern is unmistakable: Reaction I follows an SN1 mechanism (tertiary alkyl halide, polar protic solvent, etc.), while Reaction II follows an SN2 mechanism (primary alkyl halide, strong nucleophile, etc.). The rate-determining step in each case is the slowest step — the one that determines the overall rate law.
-
Reaction I — SN1 mechanism
In an SN1 reaction, the first step is the ionization of the alkyl halide: the C–Cl bond breaks heterolytically to form a carbocation and a chloride ion. This step is slow because it involves bond breaking and charge separation. The subsequent attack of OH⁻ on the carbocation is fast.
Hence, the rate-determining step is the cleavage of the C–Cl bond.
-
Reaction II — SN2 mechanism
In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile (OH⁻) attacks the carbon centre from the back side simultaneously as the leaving group (Cl⁻) departs. This is a single, concerted step. The rate depends on the concentrations of both the alkyl halide and OH⁻. …
-
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.Observe the statements given about C6H5N2BF4 (X) I. Reaction of X with NaF gave C6H5F II. Heating X with NaNO2 | Cu yielded C6H5NO2 III. Heating X gave C6H5F IV. Reaction of X with HNO3 gave C6H5NO2 Correct statements are (only) (A) I, II only (B) II, III only (C) I, IV only (D) III, IV only
›Reveal solutionSolution
C6H5N2BF4 gives fluorobenzene on simple heating (Balz–Schiemann, statement III) and nitrobenzene with NaNO2/Cu (statement II). Statements I and IV are wrong — option (B).
The concept first
A diazonium group, −N+≡N, is the finest leaving group in aromatic chemistry: it departs as nitrogen gas, which is thermodynamically irresistible. That is why the diazonium salt is the master intermediate for putting almost any group onto a benzene ring — you first make Ar−N2+, then let a nucleophile trap the aryl cation/radical.
But fluorine is the awkward case. Ordinary Sandmeyer chemistry (CuCl, CuBr, KI) fails for F−, because fluoride is a poor nucleophile in these conditions. The trick is to build the fluorine into the counter-ion: precipitate the diazonium salt as its tetrafluoroborate, then heat the dry solid. Fluoride is delivered intramolecularly from BF4− — this is the Balz–Schiemann reaction. So the whole point of using BF4− is that no external fluoride source is needed.
Step-by-step
- Statement III — heating X gives C6H5F.
C6H5N2+BF4− Δ C6H5F+N2↑+BF3
This is precisely the Balz–Schiemann reaction. TRUE.
2. Statement I — X + NaF gives C6H5F. Adding NaF is neither necessary nor effective; free fluoride does not substitute the diazonium group (that failure is the very reason the fluoroborate route exists). FALSE. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.CX6HX5NX2ClCu|HClX(i) NaOHY 673K,300atm (ii) HX3OX+ The incorrect statement about X and Y is (A) X undergoes Fittig reaction (B) Y gives o-hydroxybenzaldehyde with CHCl3 and NaOH (C) Y forms salt with NaHCO3 solution (D) X is chemically inert at room temperature
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction sequence is the Sandmeyer reaction (conversion of diazonium salt to chlorobenzene, X) followed by high‑pressure/high‑temperature hydrolysis to phenol (Y). The incorrect statement is (C) because phenol does not react with NaHCO₃.
Concept & Intuition
This problem tests your knowledge of two classic organic transformations:
- Sandmeyer reaction – replacing a diazonium group with chlorine using CuCl/HCl.
- High‑temperature, high‑pressure hydrolysis – converting chlorobenzene to phenol under drastic conditions (NaOH, 673 K, 300 atm).
Once you identify X and Y, you evaluate each statement about their chemical behavior. The trick is remembering that phenol is a weaker acid than carbonic acid, so it does not liberate CO₂ from NaHCO₃ – a common pitfall.
Step‑by‑step reasoning
- Identify X
- Starting material: benzenediazonium chloride (CX6HX5NX2Cl).
- Reagent: CuCl/HCl (Sandmeyer conditions).
- The diazonium group is replaced by chlorine:
CX6HX5NX2ClCuCl/HClCX6HX5Cl+NX2
So **X = chlorobenzene**.2. Identify Y
- Chlorobenzene is treated with NaOH at 673 K and 300 atm (the Dow process).
- The chlorine is displaced by hydroxide, forming sodium phenoxide.
- Acidification with HX3OX+ gives phenol:
CX6HX5ClNaOH,673K,300atmCX6HX5ONaHX3OX+CX6HX5OH
So **Y = phenol**.3. Evaluate statement (A): “X undergoes Fittig reaction”
- The Fittig reaction is a coupling of two aryl halides with sodium metal to give a biaryl.
- Chlorobenzene (X) does undergo this reaction (e.g., with Na in dry ether to give biphenyl).
- True.
-
Evaluate statement (B): “Y gives o‑hydroxybenzaldehyde with CHCl₃ and NaOH”
- This is the Reimer–Tiemann reaction of phenol with chloroform in base.
- The major product is indeed salicylaldehyde (o‑hydroxybenzaldehyde).
- True.
-
Evaluate statement (C): “Y forms salt with NaHCO₃ solution”
- Phenol is acidic (pKa ≈ 10) but weaker than carbonic acid (pKa₁ ≈ 6.4).
- NaHCO₃ is a weaker base; it can only deprotonate acids stronger than H₂CO₃. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.What is the end product P in the given sequence of reactions? (A) p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (B) m-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (C) o-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (D) o-Hydroxybenzoic acid
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction sequence is a classic Reimer–Tiemann reaction on phenol followed by a Cannizzaro-type workup; the final product is o-hydroxybenzaldehyde, so the correct option is (C).
The key concept here is the Reimer–Tiemann reaction, which introduces a formyl group (–CHO) ortho to the –OH group on phenol. The reaction uses chloroform (CHCl₃) in the presence of a strong base (like NaOH) to generate a dichlorocarbene (:CCl₂) intermediate. This carbene attacks the electron-rich ortho position of the phenoxide ion, leading to an aldehyde after hydrolysis. The para product is also possible but is usually minor due to steric hindrance; the ortho product is the major one.
Now, let’s walk through the sequence step by step:
-
Step 1: Phenol + NaOH
Phenol (C₆H₅OH) reacts with NaOH to form the phenoxide ion (C₆H₅O⁻). This ion is much more nucleophilic than phenol itself, especially at the ortho and para positions, because the negative charge on oxygen donates electron density into the ring.
-
Step 2: Reimer–Tiemann reaction (CHCl₃ + NaOH, heat)
Chloroform (CHCl₃) in the presence of strong base generates dichlorocarbene (:CCl₂). This highly reactive electrophile attacks the ortho position of the phenoxide ion (the para position is also attacked but less favored). The intermediate then undergoes hydrolysis to give an aldehyde group at the ortho position. The product after this step is salicylaldehyde (o-hydroxybenzaldehyde).
-
Step 3: Dilute H₂SO₄ workup …
-
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.An alkene, X (C5H10) exhibits cis/trans isomerism. Bromination of 'X' followed by reaction with reagent/s (Y) gave the product 'Z'. What are 'Y' and 'Z'? (A) NaNH2 ; (CH3)2CHC≡CH (B) KOH (aq) ; CH3CH2CH2C≡CH (C) alc.KOH,NaNH2 ; CH3CH2C≡CCH3 (D) alc.KOH,NaNH2 ; CH3CH2CH2C≡CH
›Reveal solutionSolution
The alkene X must be pent-2-ene (the only C₅H₁₀ alkene with cis/trans isomerism). Bromination gives a vicinal dibromide; double dehydrohalogenation with alc. KOH then NaNH₂ yields pent-2-yne. The correct option is (C).
Concept & Intuition
The key is to identify the alkene first. For an alkene C₅H₁₀ to show cis/trans isomerism, each doubly bonded carbon must have two different substituents. The only straight-chain pentene satisfying this is pent-2-ene (CH₃–CH=CH–CH₂–CH₃). (Pent-1-ene has a terminal =CH₂ group, so no cis/trans; branched isomers like 2-methylbut-2-ene have a carbon with two identical methyl groups, also no cis/trans.)
Bromination adds Br₂ across the double bond, giving a vicinal dibromide. To get an alkyne, we need two successive eliminations of HBr. The first elimination (with a strong base like alc. KOH) gives a bromoalkene; the second elimination (with a stronger base like NaNH₂) gives the alkyne. The product is pent-2-yne, not pent-1-yne, because the triple bond forms where the original double bond was.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Identify alkene X
- Formula C₅H₁₀, must be an alkene (one degree of unsaturation).
- For cis/trans isomerism, each sp² carbon must have two different groups.
- Pent-1-ene (CH₂=CH–CH₂–CH₂–CH₃): one sp² carbon has two H’s → no cis/trans.
- 2-Methylbut-1-ene (CH₂=C(CH₃)–CH₂–CH₃): terminal =CH₂ → no cis/trans.
- 2-Methylbut-2-ene ((CH₃)₂C=CH–CH₃): one sp² carbon has two methyls → no cis/trans.
- Pent-2-ene (CH₃–CH=CH–CH₂–CH₃): each sp² carbon has H and an alkyl group → cis/trans possible.
- Hence X = pent-2-ene.
-
Bromination of X
- Br₂ adds across the double bond:
CH3CH=CHCH2CH3+Br2→CH3CHBrCHBrCH2CH3
This is a vicinal dibromide (2,3-dibromopentane).3. First elimination (reagent Y part 1: alc. KOH)
- Alcoholic KOH is a strong base that promotes dehydrohalogenation.
- The vicinal dibromide undergoes elimination of one HBr to give a bromoalkene. The more substituted alkene (Saytzeff rule) is favoured:
CH3CHBrCHBrCH2CH3alc. KOHCH3CBr=CHCH2CH3
(The double bond forms between C2 and C3, with Br on the more substituted carbon.)4. Second elimination (reagent Y part 2: NaNH₂)
- NaNH₂ is a very strong base (amide ion) needed to remove the second HBr from a bromoalkene.
- This gives an alkyne:
-
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.What are X and Y respectively in the following reaction sequence? Y (i) Br2∣Fe(ii) KMnO4∣OH−, H3O+ Ethylbenzene (C6H5−C2H5) $\xrightarrow[\text{(ii) Mg | dry ether ;(iii) CO}_2,\ \mathrm{H_3O^+}]{\text{(i) Br}_2,|,h\nu}X(A)\mathrm{C_6H_5-CH_2CH_2-COOH}(3−phenylpropanoicacid);4−bromophenylaceticacid(\mathrm{Br-C_6H_4-CH_2-COOH})(B)\mathrm{C_6H_5-CH(CH_3)-COOH}(2−phenylpropanoicacid);p−bromobenzoicacid(\mathrm{Br-C_6H_4-COOH})(C)p−Ethylbenzoicacid(\mathrm{C_2H_5-C_6H_4-COOH});\mathrm{C_6H_5-CH(Br)-COOH}(2−bromo−2−phenylaceticacid)(D)m−Ethylbenzoicacid(\mathrm{C_2H_5-C_6H_4-COOH},meta);p−bromobenzoicacid(\mathrm{Br-C_6H_4-COOH}$)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Light-induced bromination hits the benzylic carbon (giving, after Grignard carboxylation, 2-phenylpropanoic acid = X), while Br2/Fe hits the ring para and KMnO4 then burns the ethyl group down to −COOH (giving p-bromobenzoic acid = Y). Option (B).
The concept first
Three separate rules are being combined.
1. Br2/hν versus Br2/Fe — the single most useful contrast in aromatic chemistry.
- hν (light/heat, no catalyst) ⇒ a free-radical chain reaction that attacks the side chain, specifically the benzylic C–H, because the benzyl radical is resonance-stabilised by the ring.
- Fe / FeBr3 (a Lewis acid) ⇒ an electrophilic substitution on the ring.
2. Side-chain oxidation by KMnO4. Alkaline KMnO4 (then acid work-up) oxidises any alkyl side chain that possesses a benzylic hydrogen right back to a single −COOH group, however long the chain:
C6H5−CH2CH3 KMnO4/OH−H3O+ C6H5−COOH
3. Grignard carboxylation adds exactly one carbon.
R−Br Mg, dry ether R−MgBr CO2 R−COOMgBr H3O+ R−COOH
Step-by-step — the right-hand branch (X)
Step 1 — benzylic bromination. Ethylbenzene is C6H5−CH2−CH3. Under Br2/hν, a bromine radical abstracts the benzylic hydrogen (the one on the CH2 next to the ring), because the radical formed there is delocalised into the ring:
C6H5CH2CH3 Br2,hν C6H5−CH(Br)−CH3(1-bromo-1-phenylethane)
Step 2 — make the Grignard.
C6H5CH(Br)CH3 Mg, dry ether C6H5CH(MgBr)CH3
Step 3 — carboxylate it. The carbanion-like carbon attacks CO2; acid work-up liberates the acid:
C6H5CH(MgBr)CH3 CO2H3O+ C6H5−CH(CH3)−COOH
X=2-phenylpropanoic acid
The carboxyl group lands exactly where the bromine was — on the benzylic carbon — so the branch point is retained.
Step-by-step — the left-hand branch (Y) …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.Identify the reactions, in which products are correctly given I. IBrH2OHI+HOBr II. ClF3H2OHF+HOClO III. IF5H2OHF+HIO3 The correct answer is (A) I, II only (B) II, III only (C) I, III only (D) I, II, III
›Reveal solutionSolution
Hydrolysis of interhalogen compounds involves the more electronegative halogen forming a hydrohalic acid and the less electronegative halogen forming an oxyacid, retaining its oxidation state. Based on this, reactions II and III are correctly given. The correct option is (B).
The hydrolysis of interhalogen compounds is a reaction with water where the compound breaks down. The key principle governing these reactions is the difference in electronegativity between the two halogens. The more electronegative halogen will form a hydrohalic acid (HX), while the less electronegative halogen will form an oxyacid (HXOn). The oxidation state of the less electronegative halogen in the interhalogen compound is typically preserved in the resulting oxyacid.
Let's analyze each reaction:
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Reaction I: IBrH2OHI+HOBr
- Concept: In the interhalogen compound IBr, bromine (Br) is more electronegative than iodine (I). Therefore, upon hydrolysis, bromine should form hydrobromic acid (HBr), and iodine should form an oxyacid.
- Oxidation States: In IBr, iodine has an oxidation state of +1, and bromine has an oxidation state of −1.
- Expected Products: The more electronegative bromine forms HBr. The less electronegative iodine, retaining its +1 oxidation state, forms hypoiodous acid (HOI).
- Comparison: The given products are HI and HOBr. In HI, iodine is in the −1 oxidation state, and in HOBr, bromine is in the +1 oxidation state. This implies that iodine is more electronegative than bromine, which is incorrect. The roles of the halogens are swapped in the given products.
- Conclusion: Reaction I is incorrect. The correct products would be HBr+HOI.
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Reaction II: ClF3H2OHF+HOClO
- Concept: In ClF3, fluorine (F) is more electronegative than chlorine (Cl). Thus, fluorine should form hydrofluoric acid (HF), and chlorine should form an oxyacid.
- Oxidation States: In ClF3, chlorine has an oxidation state of +3, and fluorine has an oxidation state of −1.
- Expected Products: The more electronegative fluorine forms HF. The less electronegative chlorine, retaining its +3 oxidation state, forms chlorous acid (HClO2). …
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.Consider the following reaction sequence. (A) and (C) are \ce{CH3CHO} \xrightarrow{\text{(i) CH3MgBr}} \xrightarrow{\text{(ii) H2O / H^+}} (\text{A}) \xrightarrow{\text{H2SO4, } \Delta} (\text{B}) \xrightarrow{\text{(i) B2H6}} \xrightarrow{\text{(ii) H2O, H2O2 \mid OH^-}} (\text{C}) (A) Functional isomers (B) Metamers (C) Optical isomers (D) Position isomers
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction sequence converts acetaldehyde to 2-butanol via a Grignard addition and then hydroboration-oxidation; the starting material and final product are structural isomers that differ in the position of the hydroxyl group, making them position isomers.
The key here is to identify the structures of (A), (B), and (C) step by step, then compare the starting material (acetaldehyde) with the final product (C) to determine the type of isomerism.
- First step: Grignard reaction on acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde (CHX3CHO) reacts with CHX3MgBr (methylmagnesium bromide). The Grignard reagent adds to the carbonyl carbon, forming an alkoxide after the nucleophilic attack. Upon workup with HX2O/HX+, the alkoxide is protonated to give a secondary alcohol.
- The reaction:
CHX3CHO+CHX3MgBrCHX3CH(OMgBr)CHX3HX2O/HX+CHX3CH(OH)CHX3
- So (A) is 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), CHX3CH(OH)CHX3.
- Second step: Dehydration of (A) to form (B)
Heating 2-propanol with concentrated HX2SOX4 causes elimination of water (dehydration), yielding an alkene. Since it’s a secondary alcohol, the major product follows Zaitsev’s rule: the more substituted alkene is favored.
- Dehydration:
CHX3CH(OH)CHX3HX2SOX4,ΔCHX3CH=CHX2+HX2O
- So (B) is propene, CHX3CH=CHX2.
- Third step: Hydroboration-oxidation of (B)
Propene undergoes hydroboration with BX2HX6 (diborane), followed by oxidation with HX2OX2/OHX−. This reaction adds water across the double bond in an anti-Markovnikov fashion — the hydroxyl group ends up on the less substituted carbon.
- For propene: CHX3CH=CHX2 → the boron adds to the terminal carbon (less hindered), so after oxidation, the OH is on the terminal carbon.
- Product:
CHX3CH=CHX21⋅BX2HX62⋅HX2OX2/OHX−CHX3CHX2CHX2OH
- So (C) is 1-propanol (n-propyl alcohol), CHX3CHX2CHX2OH.
- Comparing starting material and final product
The question asks about the relationship between (A) and (C). Wait — careful: The problem states “(A) and (C) are” followed by the isomer types. So we compare (A) = 2-propanol and (C) = 1-propanol.
- Both have the molecular formula CX3HX8O (same molecular weight, same atoms).
- They differ in the position of the hydroxyl group: on carbon 2 vs. carbon 1. …
- First step: Grignard reaction on acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde (CHX3CHO) reacts with CHX3MgBr (methylmagnesium bromide). The Grignard reagent adds to the carbonyl carbon, forming an alkoxide after the nucleophilic attack. Upon workup with HX2O/HX+, the alkoxide is protonated to give a secondary alcohol.
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following is an example of electrophilic substitution reaction? (A) CH3CHO+HCN→CH3CH(OH)CN (B) (CH3)3CX+H2O→(CH3)3C−OH+HX (C) C6H6+CH3COClAlCl3C6H5(COCH3)+HCl (D) BrCH2CH2Br+ZnΔalcoholCH2=CH2+ZnBr2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that electrophilic substitution involves an electrophile replacing a hydrogen on an aromatic ring; only reaction (C) fits this pattern, making it the correct answer.
Concept and Intuition
Electrophilic substitution reactions are characteristic of aromatic compounds like benzene. In these reactions, an electron‑deficient species (an electrophile) attacks the electron‑rich aromatic ring, replacing one of the hydrogen atoms. The other options represent different reaction types: nucleophilic addition (A), nucleophilic substitution (B), and elimination (D). Recognizing the hallmark of aromatic substitution—a benzene ring reacting with an electrophile in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst—immediately points to option (C).
Step‑by‑Step Reasoning
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Identify the reaction type in (A)
CH3CHO+HCN→CH3CH(OH)CN
Here, the carbonyl carbon of acetaldehyde is attacked by the cyanide ion (a nucleophile). This is a nucleophilic addition reaction, not electrophilic substitution.
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Identify the reaction type in (B)
(CH3)3CX+H2O→(CH3)3C−OH+HX
A tertiary alkyl halide reacts with water to form an alcohol. The leaving group (X⁻) departs, and water acts as a nucleophile. This is an S_N1 nucleophilic substitution (or, less commonly, E1 if elimination occurs, but here the product is an alcohol). No aromatic ring is involved.
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Identify the reaction type in (C)
C6H6+CH3COClAlCl3C6H5(COCH3)+HCl
Benzene reacts with acetyl chloride in the presence of AlCl₃. The Lewis acid AlCl₃ generates the acylium ion (CH3CO+), a strong electrophile. This electrophile attacks the benzene ring, replacing a hydrogen atom to form acetophenone. This is the classic Friedel–Crafts acylation, a prime example of electrophilic aromatic substitution.
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Identify the reaction type in (D) …
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.Identify the reaction related to Deacon’s process (A) 2H2O+2Cl2sunlight4HCl+O2 (B) 4HCl+O2CuCl2723 K2Cl2+2H2O (C) 2NaCl+H2SO4823 KNa2SO4+2HCl (D) Na2S2O3+Cl2+H2O→Na2SO4+2HCl+S
›Reveal solutionSolution
Deacon’s process is an industrial method to produce chlorine by oxidizing hydrogen chloride with oxygen over a copper(II) chloride catalyst at about 723 K. The correct reaction is option (B).
Concept & Intuition
Deacon’s process was developed in the 19th century to recover chlorine from byproduct HCl, which was abundant in the Leblanc soda process. Instead of wasting HCl, chemists found that passing it with air over a hot catalyst (CuCl₂) converts it back to chlorine gas. The key insight: this is a catalytic oxidation of HCl, not a photochemical or simple displacement reaction. The catalyst lowers the temperature needed, making the process economically viable.
Step-by-step reasoning
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Identify the defining features of Deacon’s process
- Reactants: hydrogen chloride (HCl) and oxygen (O₂).
- Products: chlorine (Cl₂) and water (H₂O).
- Catalyst: copper(II) chloride (CuCl₂).
- Temperature: around 723 K (450 °C).
- Overall reaction: 4HCl+O2→2Cl2+2H2O.
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Examine each option against these criteria
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(A) 2H2O+2Cl2sunlight4HCl+O2
This is the reverse of Deacon’s process — it uses sunlight to decompose chlorine into HCl. Not correct.
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(B) 4HCl+O2CuCl2723 K2Cl2+2H2O
Matches exactly: reactants, products, catalyst (CuCl₂), and temperature (723 K). This is the textbook Deacon process.
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(C) 2NaCl+H2SO4823 KNa2SO4+2HCl
This is the salt-cake or Mannheim process for making HCl, not chlorine. No oxygen or catalyst involved. …
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.Identify the product 'P' in the given reaction sequence (CHX3)X2C=C(CHX3)X2(1) OX3(2) Zn/HX2OA(1) Ba(OH)X2(2) ΔP (A) (CHX3)X2C(OH)−CHX2−CO−CHX3 (4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one) (B) (CHX3)X2CH−CH(OH)−CO−CHX3 (3-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one) (C) (CHX3)X2C=CH−CO−CHX3 (4-methylpent-3-en-2-one) (D) (CHX3)X2C=C(OH)−CHO
›Reveal solutionSolution
Ozonolysis gives acetone; Ba(OH)X2 then aldol-condenses it to diacetone alcohol, which on heating loses water to give mesityl oxide — option (C).
The concept first
Reductive ozonolysis (OX3, then Zn/HX2O) cuts a C=C and caps each carbon with =O, keeping every substituent. The zinc is there to destroy the HX2OX2 that would otherwise oxidise the products further.
Aldol condensation requires an α-hydrogen. A base removes it to make a carbanion/enolate, which adds to the carbonyl carbon of a second molecule (aldol addition, giving a β-hydroxy carbonyl). Warming then eliminates water to form an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl — the product is stabilised by conjugation, and that stabilisation is the driving force for the dehydration.
Step 1 — Find A
(CHX3)X2C=C(CHX3)X2(1) OX3(2) Zn/HX2O2 CHX3−CO−CHX3
A tetrasubstituted alkene cleaves symmetrically, so A = propanone (acetone).
Step 2 — Aldol addition with Ba(OH)X2
Acetone has six α-hydrogens. The base makes the enolate, which attacks the carbonyl of another acetone:
CHX3COCHX3+CHX3COCHX3Ba(OH)X2(CHX3)X2C(OH)−CHX2−CO−CHX3 …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.The correct statements about the products B and C in the given reactions are (Anhy = anhydrous, ethanolic) CH3CH2OHHClAnhy ZnCl2Aethanolic AgCNB (Minor)+C (Major) I. B and C are functional isomers II. With H2 | Catalyst B gives 1° amine and C gives 2° amine III. B on acid hydrolysis gives formic acid and C gives C3H6O2 IV. C forms isocyanate with HgO (A) I & III (B) II & III (C) I, II & IV (D) II, III & IV
›Reveal solutionSolution
AgCN is covalent, so its nitrogen attacks: the major product C is ethyl isocyanide and the minor B is the nitrile. Checking the four statements, I, II and IV are true and III is reversed — option (C).
The concept first
The cyanide ion is ambident: it can bond through carbon (giving a nitrile, R−C≡N) or through nitrogen (giving an isocyanide, R−N≡C). Which end wins depends on the metal salt:
- KCN is ionic. The free CN− attacks through carbon (the better nucleophilic centre) → nitrile is major.
- AgCN is largely covalent. The carbon is tied up with silver, so only the nitrogen lone pair is available → isocyanide is major.
That single fact drives the whole question.
Step-by-step
- Make A. CH3CH2OH+HClanhy. ZnCl2CH3CH2Cl (Groves' process). A = ethyl chloride.
- React with ethanolic AgCN.
C2H5ClAgCNC (major)C2H5NC+B (minor)C2H5CN
- Statement I — functional isomers? Both are C3H5N. Same molecular formula, different functional group (cyanide vs isocyanide). TRUE.
- Statement II — reduction products?
- C2H5C≡NH2/catC2H5CH2NH2 (propan-1-amine): the nitrogen carries two H's → primary amine ✓ (B gives 1∘).
- C2H5−N≡CH2/catC2H5−NH−CH3 (N-methylethanamine): the nitrogen already carries the ethyl group, and the reduced carbon becomes a methyl → secondary amine ✓ (C gives 2∘). TRUE. …
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