$(\mathrm{C}_{7} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{O}_{2})_{2} \xrightarrow{\mathrm{~h} \nu}[\mathrm{X}]+2 \dot{\mathrm{C}}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5}+2 \mathrm{CO}_{2}$ Consider the above reaction and identify the intermediate ' X '

JEE Main · 2022 · 26 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Polymers

(C_{7} H_{5} O_{2})_{2} h ν [X] + 2 \dot{C}_{6} H_{5} + 2 CO_{2}

Consider the above reaction and identify the intermediate ' X '

Answer: (D)

The starting material is benzoyl peroxide

(C X_{6} H X_{5} CO - O - O - COC X_{6} H X_{5})

. Upon photolysis, it undergoes homolytic cleavage to form benzoyloxy radicals

C X_{6} H X_{5} COO \cdot

. These radicals then decarboxylate to give phenyl radicals

C X_{6} H X_{5} \cdot

and

CO X_{2}

. The intermediate X is the benzoyloxy radical

C X_{6} H X_{5} COO \cdot

before decarboxylation. Option (D) shows this radical structure.

JEE Main · 2022 · 26 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Single correct option