Chapter 23, Problem 23.61P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The major product of the sulfonation of naphthalene reaction is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Naphthalene is considered to be activated towards electrophilic aromatic substitution. Electrophilic aromatic substitution on naphthalene generally favors the $\text{α}$ product over the $\text{β}$ product. This means that the arenium ion intermediate produced when an electrophile attaches to the $\text{α}$ position is more stable than when it attaches to the $\text{β}$ position.