Organic Chemistry – Arenes

Benzene Structure and ReactionsSign up

be able to use thermochemical, X-ray diffraction and infrared data as evidence for the structure and stability of the benzene ring (students may represent the structure of benzene as the Kekulé or the delocalised form as appropriate in equations and mechanisms) · understand that the delocalised model for the structure of benzene involves overlap of p-orbitals to form pi-bonds · understand why benzene is resistant to bromination, compared to alkenes, in terms of delocalisation of pi-bonds in benzene compared to the localised electron density of the pi-bond in alkenes · know the following reactions of benzene, limited to: (i) oxygen in air (combustion to form a smoky flame); (ii) bromine, in the presence of a catalyst; (iii) a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids; (iv) fuming sulfuric acid; (v) halogenoalkanes and acyl chlorides with aluminium chloride as catalyst (Friedel-Crafts reaction)

Electrophilic Substitution Mechanisms and PhenolSign up

understand the mechanism of the electrophilic substitution reactions of benzene in halogenation, nitration and Friedel-Crafts reactions, including the generation of the electrophile · understand the reaction of phenol with bromine water and the reasons for the relative ease of this reaction compared to benzene