6.1 - Aromatic compounds, carbonyls and acids Flashcards
(98 cards)
What is the molecular formula of benzene?
C₆H₆
Describe the Kekulé model of benzene.
- A six-membered ring
- with alternating single and double bonds between carbon atoms
Describe the delocalised model of benzene.
- Each carbon atom donates a p-orbital electron
- to form a ring of delocalised electrons above and below the plane
- The ring is planar with bond angles of 120°
- and has σ-bonds between C-C and C-H
What evidence disproves the Kekulé model?
- All C-C bond lengths in benzene are equal
- Benzene does not undergo electrophilic addition without a catalyst
- Enthalpy change of hydrogenation is less than expected, showing extra stability
How are substituent positions numbered on a benzene ring?
- Use the lowest possible numbers
- List different substituents in alphabetical order
What is the name of the aromatic compound with a methyl group attached to benzene?
Methylbenzene
What is the name of the aromatic compound with a carboxylic acid group attached to benzene?
Benzenecarboxylic acid
also known as benzoic acid
What is the name of the aromatic compound with an aldehyde group attached to benzene?
Benzaldehyde
What is the first step of electrophilic substitution in benzene?
- The delocalised ring attracts an electrophile,
- which accepts a pair of π electrons to form a covalent bond.
Why is the first step of electrophilic substitution the rate-determining step?
- It is slow
- because it involves breaking the stability of the delocalised electron ring.
What happens after the unstable intermediate forms in electrophilic substitution?
The intermediate releases a H⁺ ion to form a stable product.
Why is benzene unreactive compared to alkenes?
Because it is stabilised by its delocalised ring of electrons.
What is needed to make benzene react with an electrophile?
A catalyst is needed to generate the electrophile and speed up the reaction.
What are the conditions required for nitration of benzene?
- 50°C
- concentrated sulfuric acid catalyst (H₂SO₄)
- reflux
What is the electrophile in nitration of benzene?
NO₂⁺
What is the reaction for the generation of the NO₂⁺ electrophile?
HNO₃ + H₂SO₄ → NO₂⁺ + HSO₄⁻ + H₂O
What is halogenation of benzene?
The substitution of a hydrogen atom on benzene with a halogen atom using a halogen carrier catalyst.
What are the conditions for chlorination of benzene?
- rtp,
- halogen carrier catalyst (FeCl₃ or AlCl₃)
What is the electrophile in chlorination?
Cl⁺
What are the conditions for bromination?
- rtp,
- halogen carrier catalyst (FeBr₃ or AlBr₃)
What is the electrophile in bromination?
Br⁺
What is a Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction?
- An electrophilic substitution reaction
- where a hydrogen on benzene is replaced with an alkyl group
- using a haloalkane and a Lewis acid catalyst.
What are the reagents for alkylation?
Haloalkane (R-X)
What are the conditions for alkylation?
- Room temperature and pressure (rtp)
- halogen carrier catalyst (FeBr₃ or AlBr₃)