The number of benzylic hydrogen atoms in ethylbenzene is :

Options

A. 3
B. 5
C. 2
D. 7

Answer

To determine the number of benzylic hydrogen atoms in ethylbenzene, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of Ethylbenzene**:
Ethylbenzene consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) with an ethyl group (C2H5) attached to it. The structure can be represented as:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{-C}_2\text{H}_5 \]
or more explicitly:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{-CH}_2\text{-CH}_3 \]

2. **Identify the Benzylic Carbon**:
The benzylic carbon is the carbon atom that is directly attached to the benzene ring. In ethylbenzene, the benzylic carbon is the CH2 group that is adjacent to the benzene ring.

3. **Count the Hydrogen Atoms on the Benzylic Carbon**:
The benzylic carbon in ethylbenzene (the CH2 group) has two hydrogen atoms attached to it. Therefore, the number of benzylic hydrogen atoms is 2.

4. **Conclusion**:
The total number of benzylic hydrogen atoms in ethylbenzene is 2.

### Final Answer:
The number of benzylic hydrogen atoms in ethylbenzene is **2**.

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