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

6871 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does the atomic radius decrease as you move along a period.


Describe the products of the following Friedl-Crafts substitution and explain the role of the AlCl3 in the reaction: C6H6 + CH3C(O)Cl + AlCl3 = ?


What is the order of decreasing acidity for the molecules phenol, ethanoic acid and ethanol? Why?


What are moles and how do you calculate them?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning