The synthesis of phenylalanine from benzyl chloride and ammonia can be achieved through a two-step process. First, benzyl chloride is reacted with ammonia to form benzylamine, and then benzylamine is reacted with phenylacetyl chloride to form phenylalanine.Step 1: Formation of BenzylamineBenzyl chloride C6H5CH2Cl reacts with ammonia NH3 to form benzylamine C6H5CH2NH2 and hydrochloric acid HCl . The optimal conditions for this reaction are:- Temperature: 0C to 5C to minimize side reactions and hydrolysis - Molar ratio: 1:1.5 to 1:2 benzyl chloride to ammonia - Solvent: Anhydrous ether or toluene- Reaction time: 3 to 4 hoursStep 2: Formation of PhenylalanineBenzylamine reacts with phenylacetyl chloride C6H5CH2C O Cl to form phenylalanine C6H5CH2CH NH2 COOH and hydrochloric acid. The optimal conditions for this reaction are:- Temperature: 0C to 5C to minimize side reactions and hydrolysis - Molar ratio: 1:1 benzylamine to phenylacetyl chloride - Solvent: Anhydrous ether or toluene- Reaction time: 3 to 4 hoursAfter the reaction is complete, the mixture is washed with water to remove any unreacted starting materials and byproducts. The phenylalanine product is then purified by recrystallization from a suitable solvent, such as ethanol or water.The purity of the end product depends on the efficiency of the purification steps and the quality of the starting materials. With proper purification, it is possible to achieve a purity of 95% or higher. However, it is important to note that this method may not be the most efficient or environmentally friendly way to synthesize phenylalanine, as it generates hydrochloric acid as a byproduct and requires the use of hazardous solvents.