Reactions of Benzene

Electrophilic Substitution

• The electrophile is attrated to the electron rich ring accepting a pair of π-electrons to create a covalent bond
• One of the Hydrogens is replaced by the -NO₂ (nitro) group

Conditions for reaction

• Temperature: 50^oC
• Catalyst: H₂SO₄

Friedel-Crafts Acylation

• CH₃COCl +C₆H₆—-> C₆H₅COCH₃
• Catalyst: AlCl₃

Friedel-Crafts Alkylation

• CH₃Cl +C₆H₆—-> C₆H₅CH₃
• Catalyst: AlCl₃

Sulfonation

• H₂SO₄ +C₆H₆—-> C₆H₅SO₃H + H₂O