Benzene reacts with Chlorine gas in the presence of iron trichloride to yield hexachlorobenzene. However, when it reacts with fluorine gas, it forms a quinoid product (I would actually draw it for them - no need to know the name). Why the difference?

Fluorine is much more reactive than chlorine, even destroying the aromaticity. This is at the expense of the very strong C-F bonds (good orbital size and energy overlap) that are formed. C-Cl bonds are weaker so even when benzene is "burnt" in chlorine, the aromatic ring stays intact.

Answered by Radu B. Chemistry tutor

1784 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the first ionisation energy of Al is less than that of Mg?


Explain: 1. Why butanoic acid has a higher boiling point than butan1-ol? 2. Why carboxylic acids of short chain length are more soluble in water than those with longer carbon chain length?


Draw the structure of chlorine pentafluoride (ClF5) according to the VSEPR theory


What's the difference between Aliphatic and Aromatic Molecules?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences