Explain the relative resistance to bromination of benzene compared to phenol and compared to cyclohexene.

Within benzene the electrons within the pi-system are delocalised. This means the electrons are spread across the whole ring and has a lower electron density making it less susceptible to electrophilic attack. In comparison, phenol has an OH group which is partially delocalised into the benzene ring making it more electron dense than benzene and therefore more susceptible to electrophiles. Similarly, cyclohexene has three localised electrons in double bonds, meaning it also is more electron dense and like phenol can induce a dipole in Br2, unlike benzene. (includes diagrams in explanation)

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

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.


What is Le Chatelier's Principle?


Part 2: from the empirical formula, calculate the molecular formula if the molecular weight of the substance is 180 g/mol


What is the electronic configuration for the sodium ion, Na+ ?