Catalytic hydrogenation of benzene produces
Catalytic hydrogenation of benzene produces
- A) an aromatic hydrogenation
- B) margarine
- C) cyclohexane
- D) benzene
Correct Answer: C) cyclohexane
Explanation
Catalytic hydrogenation is a chemical reaction in which hydrogen is added to a molecule in the presence of a catalyst, usually a transition metal like palladium, platinum, or nickel. In this case, the molecule is benzene, which is a six-membered ring with alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds.
When benzene undergoes catalytic hydrogenation, hydrogen atoms are added to the carbon atoms in the ring, breaking the double bonds and forming single bonds. This process converts the benzene molecule into a fully saturated, non-aromatic hydrocarbon called cyclohexane. So, the correct answer isOption C: cyclohexane.
It's important to note that this reaction reduces the aromaticity of benzene, which is a highly stable and unreactive compound due to its delocalized pi electrons. Aromatic compounds, like benzene, are characterized by their ability to undergo substitution reactions rather than addition reactions. However, under certain conditions and with the presence of a catalyst, benzene can be hydrogenated to form cyclohexane.
As for the other options, they are incorrect because: