Explain why bromine reacts more readily with phenol than benzene

Benzenes bonding consists of sideways overlap of PI bonds between carbons in the ring. due to the extensive overlapping and the PI bond not being held between two atoms the electrons are said to be delocalised and the ring is an area of low electron density. The lone pair form the O atom attached is delocalised into the ring therefore increasing the electron density of the ring, this means a dipole in the electrophile is more easily induced and therefore is more attracted to the ring. For the reaction with benzene a halogen carrier is needed (feBr3) to create Br+ to create a strong enough electrophile to react with the lower electron rich ring structure.

Answered by Molly A. Chemistry tutor

9522 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain what happens to the boiling and solubility of alcohols as their chain length increases


Thinking about the periodicity of the period 3 elements, explain the structure of the Sodium and Phosphorus Oxides and the acid-base behaviour of the Oxide solutions.


What key factors would you use to analyse a high resolution proton NMR spectrum


What product is formed upon addition of dimethylamine to ethanoyl chloride? Provide a curly-arrow mechanism for the formation of this product.


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences