We have seen earlier that in electrophilic aromatic substitutions, it is the benzene ring that provides the electrons to react with electron-deficient species – electrophiles.Therefore, the more electron density we supply to benzene, the more reactive it becomes in EAS … Read more
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In the previous few posts, we went over the basics of electrophilic aromatic substitution-halogenation, nitration, and sulfonation. Now, let’s dive into one of the most important EAS reactions discovered in 1877 by Charles Friedel and James Crafts, which allows for … Read more
In the previous post, we talked about Friedel-Crafts alkylation – a classic reaction for attaching alkyl groups to benzene rings. A similar reaction is used for adding an acyl group to the aromatic ring, thus making a ketone. This is … Read more
In the previous post, we learned about ortho/para and meta-directing effects of various groups and atoms. Except for halogens, ortho/para directors are those who activate the benzene ring in electrophilic aromatic substitution, whereas deactivators direct the substitution in the meta position. Here … Read more
We have seen earlier that under different conditions, alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic compounds react with bromine. The halogenation of alkenes is explained by the electron-rich feature of the double bond, whereas aromatic compounds require a catalyst to make … Read more
The sulfonation of benzene is typically achieved by reacting with fuming sulfuric acid, which is a mixture of H2SO4 and sulfur trioxide (SO3) known as oleum. The reaction follows an electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism, producing benzenesulfonic acid. The … Read more
In today’s post, we will talk about the chlorination and bromination of benzene via electrophilic aromatic substitution. Remember, in the introductory post about aromatic compounds, we mentioned that, unlike alkenes, dienes, and other conjugated systems, benzene does not react with … Read more
Nitration of benzene or its derivatives introduces a nitro (NO2) group into the aromatic system. The reaction is carried out with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids at temperatures above 50 oC. The role of sulfuric acid … Read more
We have learned that activating groups are ortho, para directors, and the meta product for these benzene derivatives is obtained only in negligible quantities. To obtain a meta-substitution product, a deactivating group such as a nitro or a carbonyl group is needed. … Read more
