Consider the complete, chemically balanced equation representing the formation of benzenediazonium c — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Chemistry Question
Question
Consider the complete, chemically balanced equation representing the formation of benzenediazonium chloride directly from aniline, sodium nitrite, and hydrochloric acid under ice-cold conditions. How many total moles of water ($H_2O$) are formally produced as a byproduct per single mole of aniline consumed?
💡 Solution & Explanation
The diazotization of a primary aromatic amine requires nitrous acid ($HNO_2$), which is unstable and generated *in situ* from sodium nitrite and a strong mineral acid. The overall balanced chemical equation is: $C_6H_5NH_2 + NaNO_2 + 2HCl \xrightarrow{0-5^\circ C} C_6H_5N_2^+Cl^- + NaCl + 2H_2O$. Thus, exactly $2$ moles of water are produced for every mole of aniline reacted.