Question

Identify the conditions under which hydrogenation of benzene produces cyclohexane.

(a) High temperature, High pressure, Nickel catalyst

(b) Low temperature, Low pressure, Ziegler catalyst

(c) High temperature, Low pressure, Anhydrous AlCl3

(d) Low temperature, Low Pressure, Anhydrous AlCl3

I got this question during an online exam.

My enquiry is from Aromatic Hydrocarbon topic in section Hydrocarbons of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) High temperature, High pressure, Nickel catalyst

The explanation is: Benzene normally does not undergo addition reactions, but under drastic conditions, i.e. at high temperature (473 – 523K)  and high pressure in the presence of nickel catalyst, hydrogenation of benzene gives cyclohexane.