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

9621 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is Mass Spectrometry?


Define the "standard enthalpy change of atomisation".


What is Gibbs free energy? How is it useful?


What is the optical activity of the product formed when propanone is refluxed with HCN with KCN dissolved in ethanol and why?


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