Introduction To Organic Chemistry

The given reaction involves the transformation of C6H5CN (benzene nitrile) through several steps. Let's break down each step to understand the formation of X, Y, and Z:

Step 1: C6H5CN (i) SnCl2 + HCl

This is a typical Stephen reaction, where benzene nitrile (C6H5CN) is reduced by tin chloride (SnCl2) in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl). This reaction reduces the nitrile group to an imide group, forming benzylamine (C6H5CH2NH2) as X.

Step 2: (ii) H3O+ and con. KOH

This step involves the treatment of the imide with concentrated KOH and H3O+. The Cannizzaro reaction is a disproportionation reaction of aldehydes (or compounds with an aldehyde group), where one molecule is reduced to alcohol and the other oxidized to an acid. Here, benzylamine undergoes this reaction, leading to the formation of Y (benzaldehyde) and Z (formic acid).

Conclusion:

The reactions correspond to the following:

• Formation of X: Stephen reaction (reduction of nitrile to imide)
• Formation of Y and Z: Cannizzaro reaction (disproportionation of aldehyde)

Correct Answer: Option B: Stephen reaction, Cannizzaro reaction