Which reaction does hydroquinone undergo most readily ?

Options

A. `S_N 2` subbstitution
B. Hydrolysis
C. Oxidation
D. Reduction

Answer

To determine which reaction hydroquinone undergoes most readily, we need to analyze the structure and reactivity of hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a 1,4-dihydroxybenzene, which means it has two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a benzene ring at the 1 and 4 positions.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify Hydroquinone Structure**:
Hydroquinone has the following structure:
```
OH
|
C6H4 - C6H4
|
OH
```
Here, the two -OH groups are positioned para to each other on the benzene ring.

2. **Consider Possible Reactions**:
The question asks which reaction hydroquinone undergoes most readily. The options typically include:
- SN2 reaction
- Hydrolysis
- Oxidation
- Reduction

3. **Evaluate SN2 Reaction**:
- An SN2 reaction involves a nucleophilic substitution where a nucleophile attacks a carbon atom, leading to the displacement of a leaving group.
- In hydroquinone, the -OH groups are not good leaving groups due to their strong bonding and resonance stabilization with the benzene ring. Therefore, hydroquinone does not readily undergo SN2 reactions.

4. **Evaluate Hydrolysis**:
- Hydrolysis generally refers to the reaction of a compound with water, often leading to the breakdown of that compound.
- Hydroquinone does not readily undergo hydrolysis as it is already a stable compound with hydroxyl groups.

5. **Evaluate Oxidation**:
- Hydroquinone can be oxidized to form benzoquinone. The -OH groups can be oxidized to form a carbonyl group (C=O).
- This oxidation process is favorable and occurs readily with hydroquinone.

6. **Evaluate Reduction**:
- Reduction typically involves the conversion of a carbonyl group to an alcohol.
- Hydroquinone is already in the alcohol form, and further reduction is not possible.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Among the reactions considered, hydroquinone undergoes oxidation most readily. Therefore, the correct answer is that hydroquinone readily undergoes oxidation.

### Final Answer:
Hydroquinone undergoes oxidation most readily.