functional group chemistry

Question 1

what is the primary reactivity mechanism discussed in this lecture?

Answer 1

electrophilic aromatic substitution

Question 2

what factors determine the reactivity of a substituted aromatic ring?

Answer 2

the nature of the substituent being either electron donating or electron withdrawing

Question 3

how do electron donating groups affect the reactivity of an aromatic ring?

Answer 3

EDGs increase electron density at the ortho and para position making them more reactive

Question 4

how do electron withdrawing groups affect the reactivity of an aromatic ring?

Answer 4

EWGs decrease electron density at the ortho and para positions making the meta position more favourable

Question 5

what is the role of resonance in determining if a group is EDG or EWG?

Answer 5

resonance delocalizes electrons, significantly impacting electron distribution and reactivity

Question 6

how does the inductive effect contribute to the classification of an substituent as EDG or EWG ?

Answer 6

it involves the polarization of bonds, leading to unequal electron sharing

Question 7

why is ortho and para substitution with an electron donating group more favourable ?

Answer 7

it stabalizes the carbocation formed during the mechanism

Question 8

why do electron withdrawing groups make meta substitutions more favourable?

Answer 8

because ortho and para substitutions would bond the carbocation to the EWG which is unfavourable

Question 9

what makes halogens an exception in terms of reactivity?

Answer 9

they are electron withdrawing and make the ring less reactive but still direct substitution to the ortho and para position

Question 10

what should you be able to explain after this lecture?

Answer 10

the mechanism of electrophilic aromatic substitution and the influence of electron donating and withdrawing groups