The oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde by chromyl chloride is called

Options

A. Etard reaction
B. Riemer-Tiemann reaction
C. Wurtz reaction
D. Cannizzaro's reaction

Answer

To solve the question regarding the oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde by chromyl chloride, we follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactant in this reaction is toluene, which has the chemical formula C6H5CH3. It consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) with a methyl group (CH3) attached to it.

**Hint:** Look for the structure of toluene to understand its components.

### Step 2: Identify the Oxidizing Agent
The oxidizing agent used in this reaction is chromyl chloride, which has the chemical formula CrO2Cl2. This compound is known for its ability to oxidize various organic compounds.

**Hint:** Remember that oxidizing agents are substances that can accept electrons or increase the oxidation state of another substance.

### Step 3: Understand the Reaction Mechanism
In the presence of chromyl chloride, toluene undergoes oxidation. The methyl group (-CH3) is oxidized to a formyl group (-CHO), resulting in the formation of benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO).

**Hint:** Consider how the oxidation process changes the functional groups in the molecule.

### Step 4: Name the Reaction
The specific reaction where toluene is oxidized to benzaldehyde using chromyl chloride is known as the Ittard reaction.

**Hint:** Familiarize yourself with the names of various organic reactions to identify them correctly.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde by chromyl chloride is called the Ittard reaction.

**Final Answer:** The reaction is called the Ittard reaction.

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