The key difference between chlorobenzene and chlorocyclohexane is that the chemical structure of chlorobenzene has alternative double bonds in its ring structure, whereas chlorocyclohexane has only single bonds in its ring structure.
Chlorobenzene and chlorocyclohexane are important organic chemical compounds that consist of chlorine as a substituent in a ring structure made of 6 carbon atoms.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Chlorobenzene
3. What is Chlorocyclohexane
4. Chlorobenzene vs Chlorocyclohexane in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Chlorobenzene vs Chlorocyclohexane
What is Chlorobenzene?
Chlorobenzene can be described as an aromatic organic compound having the chemical formula C6H5Cl. It has a benzene ring with an attached chlorine atom. This compound exists as a colourless and flammable liquid. However, it has an almond-like odour. The molar mass of chlorobenzene is 112.56 g/mol. The melting point of this compound is −45 °C, while the boiling point is 131 °C. When considering the uses of this compound, it is very important as an intermediate in the production of compounds such as herbicides, rubber, etc. It is a high boiling solvent we use in industrial applications.
Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of Chlorobenzene Molecule
Furthermore, chlorobenzene is produced by the chlorination of benzene in the presence of Lewis acids such as ferric chloride and sulfur dichloride. The Lewis acid acts as the catalyst of the reaction. It can enhance the electrophilicity of chlorine. Since chlorine is electronegative, chlorobenzene tends not to undergo further chlorination. More importantly, this compound shows low to moderate toxicity. However, if this compound enters the body via breathing, the lungs and urinary system can excrete it.
What is Chlorocyclohexane?
Chlorocyclohexane or cyclohexyl chloride is an organic compound having the chemical formula C6H11Cl. The molar mass of this compound is 118.60 g/mol. It has a density similar to the density of water (which is 1 g/cm3). The melting point of chlorocyclohexane is a minus value that lies around -44 degrees Celsius. The boiling point of this substance is somewhat high and is around 142 degrees Celsius. The solubility of this compound in water is very low. Therefore, it has poor water solubility. Chlorocyclohexane appears as a colorless liquid. We can prepare this substance by the treatment of cyclohexanole with hydrogen chloride.
Figure 02: The Chemical Structure of Chlorocyclohexane
We can categorize chlorocyclohexane as a secondary halide, whereas cyclohexylchloromethane is a primary halide similar to chlorocyclohexane. Moreover, the reaction between cyclohexanol and thionyl chloride gives chlorocyclohexane. During this preparation method, some byproducts are created; the main byproducts include sulphur dioxide, and hydrogen chloride. These byproducts represent the gaseous form, and we can remove them easily during the chemical reaction.
What is the Difference Between Chlorobenzene and Chlorocyclohexane?
Chlorobenzene is an aromatic organic compound having the chemical formula C6H5Cl, while chlorocyclohexane is an organic compound having the chemical formula C6H11Cl. The key difference between chlorobenzene and chlorocyclohexane is that in their chemical structure. Chlorobenzene has alternative double bonds in its ring structure, whereas chlorocyclohexane has only single bonds in its ring structure.
We can easily distinguish chlorobenzene from chlorocyclohexane in a laboratory by observing their reaction with silver nitrate. Generally, chlorobenzene does not react with 2% ethanoic silver nitrate, while chlorocyclohexane can react with 2% ethanoic silver nitrate to give a white color precipitate.
The following table summarizes the difference between chlorobenzene and chlorocyclohexane.
Summary – Chlorobenzene vs Chlorocyclohexane
Chlorobenzene and chlorocyclohexane are important cyclic organic compounds. The key difference between chlorobenzene and chlorocyclohexane is that the chemical structure of chlorobenzene has alternative double bonds in its ring structure, whereas chlorocyclohexane has only single bonds in its ring structure.
Reference:
1. “Chlorobenzene.” Greenspec.co.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Chlorobenzene” By User:Bryan Derksen – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Chlorocyclohexane” By Albmont – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia