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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Transcribed Image Text:**Reaction Mechanism Explanation:**
**Question:**
2. Provide a detailed mechanism for the following reaction:
**Reaction Description:**
- **Reactant:** The structure on the left is an alkylbenzene, specifically ethylbenzene, consisting of a benzene ring attached to an ethyl group (C₂H₅).
- **Reagent:** NBS (N-Bromosuccinimide) is used as the brominating agent.
- **Conditions:** The reaction takes place under the influence of light, indicating a radical bromination mechanism.
- **Product:** The structure on the right shows bromination at the benzylic position, resulting in the formation of (1-bromoethyl)benzene.
**Mechanism Overview:**
1. **Initiation:**
- Light provides energy to homolytically cleave the bromine bond in NBS, generating bromine radicals.
2. **Propagation:**
- A bromine radical abstracts a hydrogen atom from the benzylic (methyl) position of ethylbenzene, forming a benzylic radical.
- The benzylic radical reacts with a bromine molecule (Br₂), formed from NBS, to form the brominated product and regenerate a bromine radical.
3. **Termination:**
- Two bromine radicals may combine to form Br₂, or other possible radical combinations may terminate the reaction.
This sequence illustrates the radical chain mechanism typical in NBS-mediated bromination, emphasizing the selectivity for the allylic or benzylic positions due to radical stability.
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