Question

Starting with benzene, outline a synthesis of propylbenzene?

Answer 1

Propylbenzene can be synthesized from benzene through a Friedel-Crafts alkylation with propyl chloride and aluminum chloride as the catalyst. The reaction involves an electrophilic substitution to introduce the propyl group, and subsequent quenching and purification steps result in propylbenzene.

Step-by-step explanation:

Synthesis of Propylbenzene from Benzene

To synthesize propylbenzene starting from benzene, one can perform a Friedel-Crafts alkylation using an alkyl halide and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) as the catalyst. Here is a step-by-step procedure:

1. Firstly, benzene is reacted with propyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) as a Lewis acid catalyst. This reaction will introduce the propyl group onto the benzene ring through an electrophilic substitution mechanism resulting in propylbenzene.
2. The reaction mixture is then quenched with water to hydrolyze any remaining AlCl3.
3. Finally, the product is separated and purified, typically by distillation, to obtain propylbenzene.

This is a straightforward Friedel-Crafts alkylation where benzene reacts with an appropriate alkyl halide to give the desired alkylated product, in this case, propylbenzene.