Question

Identify $C$ among the following compounds.

• A. Water
• B. Ethanol
• C. Propanone
• D. Cumene hydroperoxide

Answer 1

The correct option is C Propanone

The compound (C) is propanone. The first step is Friedel-crafts alkylation reaction in which benzene reacts with 2-chloropropane in presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride to form isopropylbenzene (cumene). The alkyl side chain is then oxidised to cumene hydroperoxide by treatment with oxygen at 130 ${}^{o}C$. When cumene hydroperoxide is heated with dilute sulphuric acid at 100 ${}^{o}C$, it decomposes to give phenol and propanone.