Benzene to biphenyl
2 steps: substitution, then Fittig reaction
BenzeneC₆H₆Arene - Step 1
Cl₂, anhydrous FeCl₃
ChlorobenzeneC₆H₅ClHaloarene - Step 2
Na, dry ether
BiphenylC₆H₅C₆H₅Arene
Exam answer
- Step 1: Benzene to chlorobenzene: Cl₂, anhydrous FeCl₃.
- Step 2: Chlorobenzene to biphenyl: Na, dry ether.
Alternative routes (1)
- Benzene → Bromobenzene → Biphenyl
- Benzene to bromobenzene: Br₂, anhydrous FeBr₃.
- Bromobenzene to biphenyl: Na, dry ether.
Reagent and reason, step by step
- Step 1: Benzene to chlorobenzene: Cl₂, anhydrous FeCl₃ Electrophilic substitution; the Lewis acid polarises Cl₂.
- Step 2: Chlorobenzene to biphenyl: Na, dry ether Fittig reaction: two aryl halides couple with sodium.
Benzene to biphenyl: quick answers
How many steps does it take to convert benzene to biphenyl?
2 steps: Benzene, then chlorobenzene, then biphenyl.
Which named reaction is used to convert benzene to biphenyl?
Fittig reaction. Two molecules of an aryl halide react with sodium in dry ether to give a diaryl (biphenyl).
What is the reagent for step 1 of benzene to biphenyl?
Benzene to chlorobenzene: Cl₂, anhydrous FeCl₃. Electrophilic substitution; the Lewis acid polarises Cl₂.