Consider an example of reaction in series, benzene is chlorinated in a semi batc
ID: 728251 • Letter: C
Question
Consider an example of reaction in series, benzene is chlorinated in a semi batch process where chlorine is bubbled through a well-agitated solution of benzene at 55 degrees C. Assume that chlorine is added sufficiently slowing that (i) Cl2 and HCl concentrations in the liquid phase are small (ii) all the Cl2 reacts and (iii) the liquid has a constant density. Under these reaction conditions, the significant reactions are the three substitution ones leading to mono-, di-, and tri- chlorobenzene
C6H6 + Cl2 --> C6H5Cl + HCl
C6H5Cl + Cl2 --> C6H4Cl2 + HCl
C6H4Cl2 + Cl2 --> C6H3Cl3 + HCl
The selectivity of benzene to mono-chlorobenzene is 0.25 and the conversion of benzene is 50%. If the process produces 30 moles of tri-chlorobenzene per 100 moles of benzene feed, how many moles of chlorine are required?
Explanation / Answer
0.75 moles of benzene