Benzene does not readily undergo

Options

A. halogenation
B. nitration
C. sulphonation
D. oxidation

Answer

To solve the question "Benzene does not readily undergo," we need to analyze the different reactions that benzene can undergo based on its structure and properties.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Benzene's Structure**:
- Benzene is a six-membered carbon ring with alternating double bonds, which gives it a stable aromatic structure. This aromaticity is a key factor in determining its reactivity.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A: Halogenation**
- Benzene can undergo halogenation, which is an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. In this reaction, a halogen (like Cl or Br) replaces one of the hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring in the presence of a Lewis acid (like AlCl3). Therefore, benzene readily undergoes halogenation.

- **Option B: Nitration**
- Nitration is another electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction where a nitro group (NO2) replaces a hydrogen atom. This reaction occurs in the presence of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Benzene can readily undergo nitration.

- **Option C: Sulfonation**
- Sulfonation involves the substitution of a hydrogen atom with a sulfonyl group (SO3H). This reaction is also an electrophilic aromatic substitution and occurs in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. Benzene can undergo sulfonation easily.

- **Option D: Oxidation**
- Oxidation of benzene typically involves the introduction of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen, which can lead to the loss of aromaticity. Since aromaticity is a highly stabilizing factor, benzene does not readily undergo oxidation reactions.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, benzene does not readily undergo oxidation, making **Option D** the correct answer.

### Final Answer:
Benzene does not readily undergo **oxidation** (Option D).