Why, in the bromination of phenols, do you not need an acid catalyst like you do in the bromination of benzene?

Benzene's delocalised π electrons means that it is not very nucleophilic and so cannot polarise a neutral molecule and produce the required electrophile. As a result it require a catalyst to form the electrophile. In phenols, the lone pair from the oxygen delocalises into the π electrons, increasing the electron density in the ring and making it more nucleophilic. This means that it is more able to polarise a molecule and produce an electrophile meaning that a catalyst isn't required.

SA
Answered by Sian A. Chemistry tutor

6394 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I calculate the percentage by mass of a metal within an impure substance?


How to answer the question: How does a bicarbonate buffer solution control pH when either an acid or a base is added?


What is meant by the term 'Electronegativity'


Heating 3.210g of hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.XH2O, forms 1.567g of anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Find the value of X and write the formula of the hydrated salt


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