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Reactivity of Arenes

Last updated

Jan 23, 2023
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- The Phenyl Group
- Benzene

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Benzene is an aromatic compound that is greatly stabilized by its resonance forms. Stable compounds are much harder to react with, therefore a strong electrophile will be needed to attack the $\pi$ electrons in the benzene ring. Electrophiles used in alkene reactions will typically not be strong enough on their own, therefore a Lewis acid catalyst is required to help generate the electrophile.

Topic hierarchy

Benzene
Electrophilic Substitution of Disubstituted Benzene Rings
Friedel-Crafts Acylation
The unusual stability of benzene makes it ideal for many reactions. Among these reactions is one known as The Friedel-Crafts Alkylation. However, the reaction suffers from a group of limitations making it a poor candidate to achieve desired results. This reaction allowed for the formation of alkyl benzenes from alkyl halides, but was plagued with unwanted supplemental activity that reduced its effectivity.
- Friedel-Crafts Reactions
Halogenation of Benzene-The Need for a Catalyst
Halogenation of Benzene and Methylbenzene
Modifying the Influence of Strong Activating Groups
Nitration and Sulfonation of Benzene
Nitration of Benzene and Methylbenzene
This page looks at the facts about the nitration of benzene and methylbenzene. The mechanisms for these reactions are covered elsewhere on the site, and you will find links to these.
Other Reactions of Benzene and Methylbenzene
Reactions of Fused Benzene Rings
Reactions of Substituent Groups
Substitution Reactions of Benzene and Other Aromatic Compounds
Substitution Reactions of Benzene Derivatives

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