QUESTION 20 In the synthesis of benzopinacol, why was the reaction mixture left
ID: 526646 • Letter: Q
Question
QUESTION 20
In the synthesis of benzopinacol, why was the reaction mixture left on the windowsill near the heater for over a week?
The reaction takes a long time to go to completion.
The reaction requires the mild heat provided by the room heating system to proceed.
The reaction is initiated by the UV rays of the sun.
The reaction can only proceed at night.
none of the above
The reaction takes a long time to go to completion.
The reaction requires the mild heat provided by the room heating system to proceed.
The reaction is initiated by the UV rays of the sun.
The reaction can only proceed at night.
none of the above
Explanation / Answer
Correct option: The reaction is initiated by the UV rays of the sun.
The light is required in this reaction to break the bond between the carbon and oxygen in the carbonyl group of benzophenone. This forms a diradical. Of the bonds in the two reactants, this carbonyl bond is weakest bond in the molecule which makes it most susceptible for cleavage to the energy provided by the ultraviolet light.