Aromatic Synthetic Routes

Question 1

Benzene - Methylbenzene

Answer 1

1-Chloro-methane

Aluminium Chloride

Question 2

Benzene - Phenylethanone

Answer 2

Acyl Chloride

Aluminium Chloride

Question 3

Phenylethanone - Phenylethanol

Answer 3

NaBH₄

Question 4

Benzene - Chlorobenzene

Answer 4

Chlorine

Aluminium Chloride, Iron, Iron Chloride

Question 5

Benzene - Nitrobenzene

Answer 5

Nitric Acid

Sulfuric Acid

Question 6

Nitrobenzene - Phenylamine

Answer 6

Tin

Hydrochloric acid

NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)

Question 7

Is Phenol 2,4 directing or 3,5 directing?

Answer 7

Phenol is 2,4 directing.

The hydroxyl (-OH) group pushes additional electrons into the pi-system (pi ring above and below benzene ring).

This makes substitution reactions mainly occur on the 2 and 4 positions of the ring.

Question 8

Is Phenylamine 2,4 directing or 3,5 directing?

Answer 8

Phenylamine is 2,4 directing.

The hydroxyl (-OH) group pushes additional electrons into the pi-system (pi ring above and below benzene ring).

This makes substitution reactions mainly occur on the 2 and 4 positions of the ring.

Question 9

Is Nitrobenzene 2,4 directing or 3,5 directing?

Answer 9

Nitrobenzene is 3,5 directing.

The nitro group (-NO₂) withdraws electrons from the pi-system (pi ring above and below benzene ring).

This makes the rate of substitution highest on the third carbon atom from nitro group.