Hello again

[Dr_Beula_PhD]

Hey I must seem abit stupid but I'm doing a project and this question once again has made me come to a stand still:In a reaction what would liquid ammonia and KNH2. This is with a reaction of (C6H5)3C-K+ + C6H5Cl.

 

Any answers would be much appreciated

 

Thanks

[woelen]

Please be a little more clear. What do you want to know precisely?

[Dr_Beula_PhD]

Ok sorry was in abit of a rush earlier

 

In the reaction:(C6H5)3C-K+ + C6H5Cl. Liquid ammonia and trace KNH2 are used to get the product. I've been asked what part do liquid ammonia and KNH2 play in the reaction?

[woelen]

OK, now the question is clear. I'm not an organic chemistry expert, but just by looking at the reactants and looking at the solvent and trace KNH2 I think that the KNH2 plays a catalytic role.

 

The main net reaction most likely will be:

 

(C6H5)3C-K+ + C6H5Cl --> C(C6H5)4 + KCl.

 

The mechanism for this could be:

 

C6H5Cl + NH2(-) ---> C6H5NH2 + Cl(-)

 

Nitrogen is most electronegative and the charge may shift to the nitrogen atom, resulting in something like the following:

 

(C6H5)3C(-) + C6H5NH2 <---> (C6H5)3C.C6H5NH2(-) --> (C6H5)3C-C6H5 + NH2(-)