How does benzene from xylene

Question

ScanSolve AI Tutor · Accepted Answer

Benzene is produced from xylene through a process called hydrodealkylation. In this reaction, xylene (a benzene ring with two methyl groups) reacts with hydrogen gas at high temperatures and pressures, typically over a catalyst. The methyl groups are removed from the xylene ring and converted into methane, leaving behind benzene.

Here's the process with an example using o-xylene:

Identify reactant and product.
Reactant: o-xylene ( $\text{C}_8\text{H}_{10}$ ) and hydrogen gas ( $\text{H}_2$ )
Product: Benzene ( $\text{C}_6\text{H}_6$ ) and methane ( $\text{CH}_4$ )
Write the unbalanced equation.
$\text{C}_8\text{H}_{10} + \text{H}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{catalyst, heat}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + \text{CH}_4$
Balance the equation.
To balance the carbon atoms, we need two molecules of methane for every molecule of xylene.
$\text{C}_8\text{H}_{10} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + 2\text{CH}_4$
Now, balance the hydrogen atoms. On the left, we have 10 hydrogen atoms from xylene. On the right, we have 6 hydrogen atoms from benzene and $(2 \times 4) = 8$ hydrogen atoms from $2\text{CH}_4$ , totaling 14 hydrogen atoms. To balance, we need to add 4 hydrogen atoms to the left side, which means $2\text{H}_2$ molecules.
$\boxed{\text{C}_8\text{H}_{10} + 2\text{H}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{catalyst, heat}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + 2\text{CH}_4}$

How does benzene from xylene

Step-by-step solution

Identify reactant and product.

Write the unbalanced equation.

Balance the equation.

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