Question

How is crude acidic ethyl benzene is neutralized in the manufacture of styrene?

(a) Adding HCl

(b) Adding H2SO4

(c) Adding NaOH

(d) Adding NaCl

This question was addressed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.

Asked question is from Synthetic Organic Chemical in chapter Synthetic Organic Chemical Industries of Chemical Technology

Answer 1

Correct option is (c) Adding NaOH

The explanation: Crude acidic ethyl benzene from the coolers is neutralized with 50% NaOH solution stripped to remove polyethyl benzene and the overhead is sent to the benzene column which separates wet benzene from ethyl benzene.