Question

The product X and Z in the following reaction sequence are:

A.Isopropylbenzene and acetone
B.Cumene peroxide and acetone
C.Isopropylbenzene and isopropyl alcohol
D.Phenol and acetone

Answer 1

Hint: First of all, Friedel craft alkylation of benzene will occur and substituted benzene will form. The oxidation of benzene will occur to form ester, hydrolysis of ester will give alcohol and ketone.

Complete step by step solution:
The reaction occurs as:

First of all, benzene reacts with propene to form isopropyl benzene or cumene, this reaction is known as Friedel Craft alkylation. Here the carbocation formed is on that carbon which is more stable that is secondary carbocation. Hence isopropyl benzene is formed. The catalyst used is aluminium chloride. It helps in generation of electrophile.
Now, this isopropyl alcohol will react with oxygen to form cumene hydroperoxide. The hydrolysis of cumene hydroperoxide will give us alcohol that is phenol and acetone.
The above reaction is a very famous reaction for conversion of benzene to phenol and is industrially used.
Hence, the product X is isopropyl benzene and product Z is acetone.

So, The correct option is A.

Note:
Benzene is an aromatic compound with 6 pi electrons. It is highly flammable and colourless. It has a sweet smell. It is very stable and reactive. Phenol is substituted benzene. It is an aromatic alcohol; one hydrogen from benzene is substituted by hydroxyl group. It is slightly acidic and is used in medical purposes. It is very inexpensive and even used in a small scale industry. Acetone is a highly volatile liquid and water soluble liquid. It is the first member of the ketone series. We usually use acetone in the form of nail paint remover in daily household.