Question

How could you use ethylbenzene to prepare each compound? More than one step is required.

Short answer

d)

Step-by-step solution

Significance of radical bromination of alkylbenzenes

Benzylic halides are formed as a result of the radical bromination of alkylbenzenes. Benzylic halides are useful as a starting material (reactant) in forming new substituted benzene products.

Synthesis using ethyl benzene

a. Bromination of benzylic bromide followed by elimination of HBr gives 2-bromostyrene.

b. Bromination of ethylbenzene followed by elimination of NaBr gives phenyl ethanol.

c. Epoxidation of styrene gives styrene oxide.

d. Hydroboration followed by oxidation of styrene forms phenyl ethyl alcohol.