Chlorobenzene and phenol both show a lack of reactivity towards reactants that cause the breaking of the C–X bond (X = Cl or OH). A student suggested that phenol can be prepared from benzene by the method shown. [Figure showing reaction scheme: benzene → step 1 → nitrobenzene → step 2 → phenylamine → step 3 (NaNO₂(aq)/HCl(aq), 5°C) → K → step 4 → phenol]
- (a)Explain why. [3][3]
- (b)When phenol is reacted with bromine dissolved in an inert solvent, two isomeric bromophenols, C6H4BrOH, are formed. Suggest structures for these products. Name each compound. [Two boxes for structure and two lines for name] [2][2]
- (c)(i)Suggest reagents and conditions for each of the following steps. step 1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... step 2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... step 4 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... [3][3]
- (c)(ii)Deduce the structure for K and draw its structural formula in the box. [1][1]
- (c)(iii)Name the mechanism for step 1. [1][1]
- (c)(iv)Write an equation for step 2. Use [H] for the reducing agent in this equation. [1][1]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] M1 C-X/C-Cl/ C-O bond is stronger (in chlorobenzene / phenol)
- [1] M2 p-orbital/lone pair on Cl/ O(H) / X (in chlorobenzene / phenol)
- [1] M3 electrons of the (Cl/ O / electronegative atom) AND overlap / delocalise with π-electron cloud / delocalise into ring
- [1] structure and name correct [for both 2-bromophenol and 4-bromophenol]
- [1] step 1 conc. HNO3 + H2SO4 (and temperare 50–55 °C)
- [1] step 2 Sn + HCl AND one of conc.HCl + heat
- [1] step 4 H2O warm / heat
- [1] [Diagram of benzenediazonium chloride, C6H5N2⁺Cl⁻]
- [1] step 1 electrophilic substitution
- [1] C6H5NO2 + 6[H] → C6H5NH2 + 2H2O
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