Question icon
12 grade chemistry others

1. Benzonitrile can be converted to benzophenone through a two-step reaction process involving the formation of a ketone.

2. The first step is the reaction of benzonitrile with an appropriate reagent to form an intermediate.

3. The intermediate is then subjected to hydrolysis, leading to the formation of benzophenone.

  • Benzonitrile + Reagent → Intermediate
  • Intermediate + H₂O → Benzophenone

Profile image of Aniket Singh
11 Months agoGrade
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer11 Months ago

Benzonitrile can be transformed into benzophenone through a two-step reaction process. This involves the creation of a ketone intermediate before arriving at the final product.

Step 1: Formation of the Intermediate

In the first step, benzonitrile reacts with a suitable reagent. This reagent is typically a strong nucleophile that facilitates the conversion of the nitrile group into a ketone. The reaction can be represented as:

  • Benzonitrile + Reagent → Intermediate

Step 2: Hydrolysis to Benzophenone

Once the intermediate is formed, it undergoes hydrolysis. This step involves the addition of water, which helps to convert the intermediate into benzophenone. The reaction can be summarized as:

  • Intermediate + H₂O → Benzophenone

Through these two steps, benzonitrile is effectively converted into benzophenone, showcasing the importance of reagents and hydrolysis in organic synthesis.