What happens when Catechol reacts with Ag2O?

The correct answer is option 1. o-Benzoquinone is produced.

When catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) reacts with silver oxide (Ag₂O), it undergoes oxidation to form o-benzoquinone (1,2-benzoquinone). Catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) has two hydroxyl groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms in the benzene ring.

Silver oxide \((Ag_2O)\) is an oxidizing agent. When catechol reacts with \(Ag_2O\), it oxidizes the catechol to form o-benzoquinone. In this reaction, the two hydroxyl groups of catechol are oxidized to form a quinone structure where the two oxygens are double-bonded to the adjacent carbon atoms. o-Benzoquinone is produced. The reaction can be summarized as:

When catechol reacts with \(Ag_2O\), the product formed is: o-Benzoquinone