STATEMENT-1: Styrene is more reactive than ethylene towards free radical polymerization
and
STATEMENT-2: Polymerization of styrene proceeds through more stable benzyl free radical.

Options

A. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True, Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-3
B. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True, Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-3
C. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
D. Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True

Answer

To analyze the statements provided in the question, we will break down the reasoning step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding the Structures
- **Styrene** has the structure: C6H5-CH=CH2 (a phenyl group attached to a vinyl group).
- **Ethylene** has the structure: CH2=CH2 (a simple alkene).

**Hint:** Identify the structures of the compounds involved to understand their reactivity.

### Step 2: Free Radical Polymerization
- In free radical polymerization, a free radical initiator generates free radicals that react with the double bond of the monomers (styrene and ethylene) to form new radicals.
- For styrene, the radical formed will be more stable due to the presence of the benzene ring, which allows for delocalization of the radical.

**Hint:** Consider how the structure of each monomer affects the stability of the radicals formed during polymerization.

### Step 3: Stability of Radicals
- The radical formed from styrene (benzyl radical) is stabilized by resonance with the benzene ring. This delocalization makes the benzyl radical more stable than the radical formed from ethylene.
- The radical formed from ethylene is less stable as it does not have such resonance stabilization.

**Hint:** Think about how resonance and delocalization contribute to the stability of radicals.

### Step 4: Reactivity Comparison
- Since the benzyl radical is more stable, the polymerization of styrene is favored, making styrene more reactive than ethylene in free radical polymerization.
- Therefore, Statement 1 is correct: "Styrene is more reactive than ethylene towards free radical polymerization."

**Hint:** Compare the reactivity of the two monomers based on the stability of the radicals they form.

### Step 5: Evaluating Statement 2
- Statement 2 claims that "polymerization of styrene proceeds through a more stable benzyl free radical." This is also true, as the stability of the benzyl radical due to resonance is a key factor in the reactivity of styrene.

**Hint:** Assess whether the stability of the radical affects the polymerization process.

### Conclusion
Both statements are correct:
- **Statement 1** is true because styrene is indeed more reactive than ethylene due to the stability of the benzyl radical formed during polymerization.
- **Statement 2** is true as the polymerization of styrene occurs through the more stable benzyl free radical.

**Final Answer:** Both statements are correct.