Zaymiey

🧪 Chemistry  ·  Hydrocarbons  ·  NEET & JEE

Birch reduction of toluene (Na in liquid NH<sub>3</sub> with alcohol) gives mainly:

Answer: 1-Methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene.

  • A 1-Methyl-2,5-cyclohexadiene
  • B 1-Methylcyclohex-1-ene
  • C 1-Methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene
  • D Methylbenzene (unchanged)

Correct answer: C. 1-Methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene

Explanation: With an electron-donating substituent the substituted carbon stays part of a double bond, giving the 1,4-diene, 1-methylcyclohexa-1,4-diene.

Hybridisation and Bonding in HydrocarbonsCCEthane: sp³, single bond109.5°, free rotationCCEthene: sp², double bond120°, planar, NO rotationCCEthyne: sp, triple bond180°, linearMore bonds between the same 2 carbons = shorter, stronger, but more reactive bond

Going from a single to a triple bond between carbons increases the s-character of hybridisation (sp³→sp²→sp), shortening the bond and locking the geometry, while increasing π-bond reactivity (alkenes and alkynes readily undergo addition reactions that alkanes don't).

Concept context

The simplest organic compounds made only of carbon and hydrogen. Covers alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds like benzene. Learn preparation methods, key reactions, and physical properties.

Read the full Hydrocarbons notes →