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Problem 1 - Olympiad

What is the major product of the reaction between benzene and chlorine in the presence of iron(III) chloride?

Correct: A

The reaction between benzene and chlorine in the presence of iron(III) chloride is an example of an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. The iron(III) chloride acts as a catalyst, generating a chlorine cation which then attacks the benzene ring. The major product of this reaction is chlorobenzene, with the chlorine substituting for one of the hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring.