Consider the compound $C_6{H}_5\mathrm{CH}{2}_2\mathrm{Cl}$ (benzyl chloride). How many different substituents are attached to the benzene ring in this compound?

• A. $3$
• B. $0$
• C. $2$
• D. $1$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of benzyl chloride, which is represented as \(\mathrm{C_6H_5CH_2Cl}\). This consists of a benzene ring (\(\mathrm{C_6H_5}\)) attached to a \(\mathrm{CH_2Cl}\) group.
2. Focus on the benzene ring itself. The benzene ring has six carbon atoms, each typically bonded to one hydrogen atom unless substituted.
3. Determine what substituents are directly attached to the benzene ring carbons. In benzyl chloride, the only substituent attached to the benzene ring is the \(\mathrm{CH_2Cl}\) group at one of the carbons.
4. Since the rest of the positions on the benzene ring are occupied by hydrogen atoms, and hydrogen is considered the default substituent, there is effectively only one different substituent attached to the ring: the \(\mathrm{CH_2Cl}\) group.
5. Therefore, the number of different substituents attached to the benzene ring in benzyl chloride is one.