Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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Predict the product of the following reaction.

Transcribed Image Text:### Diagram Explanation: Alkylation of Benzene
The given diagram illustrates the mechanism of Friedel-Crafts Alkylation, a fundamental organic chemistry reaction that introduces an alkyl group onto a benzene ring.
#### Components and Process:
1. **Starting Material:**
- **Benzene (C₆H₆):** The cyclic aromatic compound that undergoes alkylation.
2. **Alkyl Halide:**
- **R-Cl:** Represents the alkyl halide where "R" is an alkyl group and "Cl" is the halogen.
3. **Catalyst:**
- **AlCl₃ (Aluminum Chloride):** A Lewis acid catalyst essential for facilitating the reaction. It helps to generate a more reactive electrophile by accepting a lone pair of electrons from the chlorine atom.
4. **Reaction Mechanism:**
- **Formation of Carbocation:** AlCl₃ interacts with R-Cl, producing a carbocation (R⁺), which is a more potent electrophile than the alkyl halide itself.
- **Electrophilic Attack:** The benzene ring, with its electron-rich structure, attacks the carbocation, forming a sigma complex (also called an arenium ion).
- **Deprotonation:** The formed complex undergoes deprotonation to restore aromaticity, resulting in the alkylated benzene product.
5. **Product:**
- **Alkylbenzene:** The benzene ring with the new alkyl substituent (R) attached.
6. **Regeneration of Catalyst:**
- The AlCl₃ catalyst is regenerated by releasing the Cl⁻ ion, which bonds with a hydrogen atom to form HCl.
#### Key Notes:
- **Reactivity and Orientations:** The reaction is highly regioselective, typically producing para and ortho isomers over meta products.
- **Limitations:** Friedel-Crafts Alkylation can result in polyalkylation if excess alkyl halide is present, as the alkyl groups make the benzene more reactive.
- **Applications:** This reaction is widely used in the synthesis of various aromatic compounds in industrial and laboratory settings.
This diagram serves as a basic visual guide to understanding the Friedel-Crafts Alkylation mechanism and its significance in organic chemistry.
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