Question

What is the most suitable temperature for the conversion of benzenediazonium fluoroborate to nitrobenzene, with sodium nitrite and copper?

(a) 0°C

(b) 10°C

(c) 22°C

(d) 40°C

The question was posed to me during a job interview.

This interesting question is from Diazonium Salts Chemical Reactions in chapter Amines of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Right answer is (d) 40°C

For explanation: When diazonium fluoroborate is heated with aqueous NaNO2 in the presence of copper metal, the diazo group is replaced by NO2 group, to give nitrobenzene.