For the formation of phenylethanone from benzene: Name and explain the mechanism, write an overall equation and write an equation for the formation of the electrophile.

Overall equation:
C6H+ CH3COCl ---> C6H5COCH3 + HCl

Equation for formation of the electrophile:
CH3COCl + AlCl3 ---> [CH3CO]+ + [AlCl4]-

Name of mechanism:
Electrophilic substitution

Explanation of mechanism:
The electron-deficient CH3CO+ electrophile ion is attacked by the delocalised pi electron system in the benzene ring breaking the aromaticity of benzene to form [C6H6COCH3]+. The residual proton may then be accepted by a residual chloride ion in the remaining [AlCl4]to form the residual HCl product and re-form the AlCl3 catalyst and retain the aromaticity of the product.

WF
Answered by William F. Chemistry tutor

9512 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

"A chromium compound contains 28.4% sodium and 32.1% chromium by mass, while the rest is oxygen. What is the empirical formula of this compound?"


Given is a following reaction at equilibrium: N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇄ 2NH3(g), ΔH < 0. What will be the effect of changing the following conditions on the system? 1. Increasing pressure. 2. Decreasing temperature. 3. Adding a catalyst. 4. Adding HCl(g).


How many moles of carbon dioxide is produced when 73.6 g of ethanol is burned completely in oxygen?


How does infrared spectroscopy work and where might you see it used in real life?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning