Which of the following is the intermediate in the reduction of nitrobenzene

Options

A. `C_6H_5N=O`
B. `C_6H_5NH-NH-C_6H_5`
C. `C_6H_5-N=N-C_6H_5`
D. `C_6H_5N=overset(O)overset(uarr)(N)-C_6H_5`

Answer

To solve the question about the intermediate in the reduction of nitrobenzene, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Reduction Process
Nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2) undergoes a reduction process to form aniline (C6H5NH2). The reduction involves the addition of electrons and protons (H+ ions) and typically occurs in multiple steps.

**Hint:** Recall that reduction involves the gain of electrons and protons.

### Step 2: Identify the Reaction Steps
The reduction of nitrobenzene occurs in three main steps:
1. Nitrobenzene gains 2 electrons and 2 protons, releasing one molecule of water to form nitroso benzene (C6H4N2O).
2. Nitroso benzene then gains 2 more electrons and 2 protons to form N-phenylhydroxylamine (C6H5NHOH).
3. Finally, N-phenylhydroxylamine gains 2 electrons and 2 protons, releasing another molecule of water to yield aniline.

**Hint:** Break down the reduction process into individual steps to identify intermediates.

### Step 3: Identify the Intermediates
From the steps outlined:
- The first intermediate is nitroso benzene.
- The second intermediate is N-phenylhydroxylamine.

**Hint:** Look for compounds that are formed during the reaction but are not the final product.

### Step 4: Analyze the Options
The question asks which of the following is the intermediate in the reduction of nitrobenzene. Based on the reduction steps, we can identify that nitroso benzene is one of the intermediates.

**Hint:** Compare the options given in the question with the identified intermediates.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The correct answer is nitroso benzene, as it is one of the intermediates formed during the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline.

**Final Answer:** The intermediate in the reduction of nitrobenzene is nitroso benzene.