Chemistry 2001 JAMB Past Questions - Question 39: Catalytic hydrogenation of benzene produces

Correct Answer

C

Explanation

The catalytic hydrogenation of benzene typically produces cyclohexane. This reaction involves the addition of hydrogen (H2) to benzene in the presence of a catalyst, such as platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), or nickel (Ni). The reaction can be represented by the following chemical equation:

\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + 3\text{H}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{catalyst}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12} \]

In this reaction, each benzene molecule (\(C_6H_6\)) reacts with three molecules of hydrogen (\(H_2\)), and the result is the formation of cyclohexane (\(C_6H_{12}\)). The catalytic hydrogenation of benzene is an example of a reduction reaction, where hydrogen is added to the aromatic ring, leading to the saturation of the ring and the formation of a cycloalkane. This type of reaction is important in industrial processes for the production of various chemicals.