Which of the following is the intermediate in the reduction of nitrobenzene

Options

A. `C_6H_5N=O`
B. `C_6H_5NH-NH-C_6H_5`
C. `C_6H_5-N=N-C_6H_5`
D. `C_6H_5N=overset(O)overset(uarr)(N)-C_6H_5`

Answer

To determine the intermediate formed during the reduction of nitrobenzene, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactant**:
The starting compound is nitrobenzene, which has the structure C6H5-NO2.

2. **Reduction Conditions**:
The reduction of nitrobenzene can be carried out using reducing agents like Sn (tin) in the presence of HCl or Fe (iron) in HCl.

3. **Reduction Mechanism**:
In the presence of Sn and HCl, nitrobenzene undergoes a series of electron and proton transfers. The nitro group (–NO2) is reduced to an amine group (–NH2).

4. **Formation of the First Intermediate**:
The first step in the reduction involves the formation of a hydroxylamine intermediate. The nitro group is converted to a hydroxylamine (C6H5-NH2OH) before it is further reduced to an amine.

5. **Final Product**:
After further reduction, the hydroxylamine is converted to an aniline (C6H5-NH2), which is the final product of the reduction of nitrobenzene.

6. **Identify the Intermediate**:
The intermediate formed during the reduction of nitrobenzene is hydroxylamine (C6H5-NH2OH).

### Answer:
The intermediate in the reduction of nitrobenzene is hydroxylamine (C6H5-NH2OH).

---