Explain the relative resistance to bromination of benzene compared with alkenes.

Benzene has a delocalised pi system in which p orbitals of all carbon atoms overlap above and below the carbon ring. Alkenes, however, have localised pi-orbital overlaps between two carbon atoms. The electron density in the localised system is much greater than the delocalised system in benzene. This greater electron density in alkenes allows a dipole to be induced more readily in bromine and thus makes alkenes more susceptible to electrophilic attack. The electron density in benzene's pi system is not significant enough to produce an electrophile, and thus benzene does not readily undergo electrophilic substitution.

JW
Answered by Jasmine W. Chemistry tutor

17110 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

why increasing the temperature will increase the rate of reaction


A 20cm³ sample of lithium hydroxide solution of unknown concentration is neutralised by 12.25cm³ of 0.15mol/dm³ of sulfuric acid. Calculate the concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution.


What is the definition of 'first ionisation energy'?


Compare the basic ability between ammonia, ethyl amine and phenyl amine.


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