Ozonolysis is a useful reaction to locate the position of unsaturation in an organic compound. The reductive ozonolysis products of the compound, styrene are(Assuming that Benzene ring does'nt involve in the reaction)

This reaction involves styrene (C₆H₅-CH=CH₂), an alkene attached to a benzene ring. When styrene undergoes ozonolysis (reaction with O₃ followed by reduction with Zn and H₂O), it breaks the carbon-carbon double bond. The products formed are:

• Benzaldehyde (C₆H₅-CHO): This is formed from the cleavage of the double bond where the benzene ring is directly attached.
• Formaldehyde (HCHO): This is the second product formed from the terminal carbon of the styrene molecule.

Explanation of the Reaction

1. Ozonolysis breaks the double bond of the alkene.
2. The carbon atoms of the double bond are oxidized:
   • The carbon attached to the benzene ring becomes part of benzaldehyde (C₆H₅-CHO).
   • The other carbon, being part of a terminal group, becomes formaldehyde (HCHO).

Key Points

• Styrene is a vinyl benzene derivative (C₆H₅-CH=CH₂).
• Ozonolysis in the presence of Zn and H₂O is a reductive process.
• This reaction demonstrates the cleavage of alkenes to form carbonyl compounds.