Question

Convert acetic acid into benzene.
Strategy: There is no fixed strategy for conversions but it is best to work backwards. Remember, benzene can be obtained from acetylene, now think how to get acetylene from acetic acid.

Answer 1

`CH_3COOHoverset(NaOH(eq))toCH_3COONaunderset(Delta)overset("sodalime")toCH_4underset(hv)overset(Cl_2)toCH_3Clunderset("dry ether")overset(Na)toCH_3-CH_3underset(hv)overset(Cl_2)toCH_3CH_2-Clunderset(KOH)overset(Alc)toCH_2=CH_2`
`underset(C Cl_4)overset(Br_(2))tounderset(CH_(2)Br)underset(|)(C)H_(2)Brunderset((2)" HA")overset((1)" "NaNH_(2),Delta)toCH-=CHunderset("iron tube")overset("Red hot")to`