Benzene reacts with `CH_(3)Cl` in the presence of anyhydrous `AlCl_(3)` to form

Options

A. Toluene
B. Chlorobenzene
C. Benzylchloride
D. Xylene

Explanation

To solve the question of what is formed when benzene reacts with CH₃Cl in the presence of anhydrous AlCl₃, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in this reaction are benzene (C₆H₆) and methyl chloride (CH₃Cl). The presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) is crucial as it acts as a catalyst.

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Type
This reaction is a Friedel-Crafts alkylation. In this type of reaction, an alkyl group is introduced into the aromatic ring. The AlCl₃ catalyst helps in generating a more reactive species from CH₃Cl.

### Step 3: Formation of the Carbocation
When CH₃Cl reacts with AlCl₃, it forms a methyl cation (CH₃⁺) and AlCl₄⁻. The AlCl₃ coordinates with the chlorine atom in CH₃Cl, facilitating the departure of Cl⁻ and generating the methyl cation.

### Step 4: Electrophilic Attack
The methyl cation (CH₃⁺) is a strong electrophile. It will attack the benzene ring (C₆H₆) in an electrophilic substitution reaction. The π electrons of the benzene ring will attack the methyl cation, leading to the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond.

### Step 5: Formation of the Product
After the electrophilic attack, a proton (H⁺) is lost from the benzene ring, restoring the aromaticity of the ring. The final product of this reaction is toluene (C₇H₈), which has a methyl group attached to the benzene ring.

### Conclusion
Thus, the product formed when benzene reacts with CH₃Cl in the presence of anhydrous AlCl₃ is **toluene (C₇H₈)**.

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