Chapter 16.4, Problem 11P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

From the electrostatic potential map of (trifluoromethyl) benzene, C₆H₅CF₃, whether it will be more reactive or less reactive than toluene towards electrophilic substitution is to be stated and explained.

Concept introduction:

In the electrostatic potential map the electron rich regions are indicated in red and electron poor regions are indicated in green.

In aromatic electrophilic substitution reactions of the monosubstituted benzenes, if the group already present is electron releasing it will activate the ring and hence the monosubstituted benzene will be more reactive than benzene. If it is electron withdrawing it will deactivate the ring and hence the monosubstituted benzene will be less reactive than benzene.

To state and explain:

From the electrostatic potential map of (trifluoromethyl) benzene, C₆H₅CF₃, whether it will be more reactive or less reactive than toluene towards electrophilic substitution.