Neopentyl chloride reacts with benzene in presence of a Lewis acid ( AlCl₃ ) to form

When neopentyl chloride reacts with benzene in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst like AlCl₃ (Friedel-Crafts alkylation conditions), the major product is 1-phenyl-2,2-dimethylpropane.

Explanation:

• Neopentyl chloride: (CH₃)₃CCH₂Cl
• The carbocation initially formed is highly unstable (neopentyl carbocation), but a hydride shift yields the more stable tert-butyl carbocation.
• The tert-butyl group (from rearrangement) attaches to benzene.

Final Product: 1-phenyl-2,2-dimethylpropane (tert-butylbenzene) is formed as the main product.