Benzoic acid is treated with SOC{l_2} and the product X is formed with ammonia to give Y. Y on reaction with B{r_2} and KOH gives Z. What is Z in the reaction?

The given reaction sequence involves the conversion of benzoic acid to a final product Z. Let's break down the steps one by one:

Step 1: Benzoic acid reacts with SOCl2 (thionyl chloride) to form an acid chloride intermediate.
Benzoic acid + SOCl2 → Acid chloride (X)

Step 2: The acid chloride (X) reacts with ammonia (NH3) to form an amide.
Acid chloride (X) + NH3 → Amide (Y)

Step 3: Amide (Y) reacts with bromine (Br2) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) to form the final product.
Amide (Y) + Br2 + KOH → Z

The reaction of an amide with bromine and potassium hydroxide is known as the Hofmann degradation. In this reaction, the amide is converted into an isocyanate intermediate, which further decomposes to yield an amine and carbon dioxide. The amine formed is the final product Z.

So, Z in the given reaction is an amine.