Chapter 18: Aromatic Substitution Reactions Flashcards
Sigma complex
Positively charged, 3 resonant structure intermediate generated in an EAS reaction
Bromination of benzene
Reagents
- Br2
- FeBr3 (iron tribromide) or AlBr3 (aluminum tribromide)
Mechanism
Forms via a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
Chloronation of benzene
Reagents
- Cl2
- FeCl3 (iron trichloride) or AlCl3 (aluminum trichloride)
Mechanism
Forms via a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
Sulfonation of benzene
Reagents
Fuming H2SO4
H2SO4 & SO3 (sulfur trioxide)
Mechanism
Forms via a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
Sulfonation is reversible because the reagent is concentration dependent
Nitration of benzene
Installation of a nitro group
Mechanism
HNO3 (nitric acid) & H2SO4
Mechanism
Sulfuric acid protonates nitric acid and subsequently forms a nitronium ion which performs the nucleophilic attack
Nitration subsequently occurs via the formation of a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
Nitration of benzene
Installation of an amine group
Reagents
- HNO3 (nitric acid) & H2SO4
- Fe or Zn & HCl
- NaOH
Mechanism
Sulfuric acid protonates nitric acid and subsequently forms a nitronium ion which performs the nucleophilic attack
Nitration subsequently occurs via the formation of a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
Upon treatment with a metal (Fe or Zn) and HCl the nitro group can be reduced resulting in an ammonium ion (RNH3+) that is subsequently deprotonated by a base
Friedel-Crafts alkylation
Reagents
AlCl3 (aluminum trichloride) & alkyl halide
- Secondary and tertiary alkyl halides are readily converted to carbocations but NOT primary halides EXCEPT ethyl chloride
- Alkyl halide α-carbon must be sp3 hybridized
- Beware of possible rearrangements that may occur
Mechanism
The catalyst (AlCl3) converts the alkyl halide into a carbocation; creating a better electrophile
Alkylation subsequently occurs via the formation of a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
DEACTIVATED rings CANNOT undergo Friedel-Crafts alkylation
Friedel-Crafts acylation
Mechanism
AlCl3 (aluminum trichloride) & acyl halide
Mechanism
Treatment of the acyl halide with AlCl3 forms a cationic species called an acylium ion
Acylation subsequently occurs via the formation of a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
Friedel-Crafts acylation
Installing alkyl groups that are prone to rearrangement
Mechanism
- AlCl3 (aluminum trichloride) & acyl halide
- Zn(Hg) (amalgamated zinc) & HCl, heat
Mechanism
Treatment of the acyl halide with AlCl3 forms a cationic species called an acylium ion
Acylation subsequently occurs via the formation of a sigma complex intermediate and subsequent rearomatization of the benzene ring
A Clemmensen reduction can subsequently be employed to recude the aryl ketone to an alkyl group
Strong activating groups
ortho-para directors
Moderate activating groups
ortho-para directors
Weak activating groups
ortho-para directors
Weak deactivating groups
ortho-para directors
Moderate deactivating groups
meta directors
Strong deactivating groups
meta directors
Strong activator
ortho-para director