Question

During the preparation of acetanilide from aniline a small amount of zinc is added to the reaction mixture because

(a) zinc induces the precipitation

(b) zinc prevents the reduction of aniline during the reaction

(c) zinc reduces the coloured impurities in the aniline and also prevents its oxidation during the reaction

(d) zinc forms a white crystalline complex with aniline

Answer 1

Correct Option (c) zinc reduces the coloured impurities in the aniline and also prevents its oxidation during the reaction

Explanation:

During acetylating of aniline, zinc not only prevents the oxidation of amine during heating but also reduces coloured impurities if formed during heating.