Home » Ask & Discuss » Chemistry. » Organic Chemistry « Back to Discussion

Organic Chemistry

Hot goIITian

Joined:	6 Apr 2009
Post:	107

2 Oct 2009 19:18:20 IST

0 People liked this

859

If toluene reacts with chlorine in presence of light, it forms benzyl chloride, while in absence it

None

If toluene reacts with chlorine in presence of light, it forms benzyl chloride, while in absence it forms chlorobenzene. What change does UV light cause during the reaction?

Share this article on:

Comments (2)

djdylan2000. bits goa eee

Blazing goIITian

Joined: 7 Feb 2007

Posts: 1608

2 Oct 2009 19:29:54 IST

Like 2 people liked this

uv light causes free radicals of chlorine 2 b formed.

These free radicals can only attach to the side chain(methyl group in this case) and not to the benzene ring..

Madhusudan Chavan

Forum Expert

Joined: 9 Mar 2007

Posts: 2554

6 Oct 2009 21:14:43 IST

Like 1 people liked this

In presence of UV light toluene undergoes free radical substitution reaction , in the same manner as chlorination of methane. UV light splits chlorine molecule into the chlorine free radicals which the carry forward the chain reaction.

In the absence of light and in presence of Lewis acid catalyst, toluene undergoes electrophilic substitution in the ring, like chlorination of benzene.

Quick Reply

Reply

	Some HTML allowed.
	Keep your comments above the belt or risk having them deleted.
	Signup for a avatar to have your pictures show up by your comment
	If Members see a thread that violates the Posting Rules, bring it to the attention of the Moderator Team