Benzene can be obtained by heating either benzoic acid with X or phenol with Y. X and Y, respectively are

Options

A. (a) sodalime and copper
B. (b) Zn dust and NaOH
C. (c) Zn dust and Sodalime
D. (d) sodalime and zinc dust

Explanation

To solve the problem of how benzene can be obtained from benzoic acid and phenol, we need to identify the reagents (X and Y) that facilitate the conversion.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Reaction with Benzoic Acid**:
- Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) can be converted to benzene (C6H6) through a process called decarboxylation.
- This reaction typically requires a strong base and heat. The common reagent used for this purpose is a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO), known as soda lime.

2. **Reaction of Benzoic Acid with Soda Lime**:
- When benzoic acid is heated with soda lime, it undergoes decarboxylation, resulting in the formation of benzene and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).
- The reaction can be summarized as:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH} + \text{NaOH} + \text{CaO} \xrightarrow{\text{heat}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \]
- Therefore, for benzoic acid, X = soda lime.

3. **Understanding the Reaction with Phenol**:
- Phenol (C6H5OH) can also be converted to benzene through a reduction reaction.
- The common reducing agent used for this transformation is zinc dust (Zn).

4. **Reaction of Phenol with Zinc Dust**:
- When phenol is heated with zinc dust, it reduces to benzene and zinc oxide (ZnO).
- The reaction can be summarized as:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{Zn} \xrightarrow{\text{heat}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + \text{ZnO} \]
- Therefore, for phenol, Y = zinc dust.

5. **Conclusion**:
- From the above reactions, we conclude that:
- X (for benzoic acid) is soda lime.
- Y (for phenol) is zinc dust.
- Thus, the correct answer is option D: soda lime and zinc dust.

### Final Answer:
X = soda lime, Y = zinc dust (Option D).