ELECTROPHILIC AROMATIC SUBSTITUTION

Introduction

This page focuses on electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. In addition, a few other useful reactions are discussed that may change the identity of groups attached to the aromatic ring.

Mechanisms

Bromination of benzene using Br2 and FeBr3

Chlorination of benzene using Cl2 and AlCl3

Sulfonation of benzene using fuming H2SO4

Removing the sulfonic acid from benzesulfonic acid with dilute H2SO4

Nitration of benzene using HNO3 and H2SO4

Reduction of a nitro group using iron or zinc and HCl

Acylation of an amino group with acetyl chloride, and then reversal with either NaOH or acid

Aryldiazonium reactions

Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene using sec-butyl chloride and AlCl3

Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene using an acyl chloride and AlCl3

Clemmensen reduction of an aryl keton with amalgamated zinc, HCl, and heat