Why does phenol readily undergo electrophilic substitution but benzene does not without the aid of a catalyst?

Benzene's delocalised π system of electrons makes it not quite electron rich enough for the reaction to take place. The lone pair from the -OH group in phenol adds enough electron density into the ring so that it becomes more susceptible to electrophilic attacks, hence resulting in a reaction.

FB
Answered by Frederick B. Chemistry tutor

2297 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are Van der Waal forces ?


Alcohols can be converted into alkenes in an elimination reaction. The elimination of H2O from pentan-2-ol forms a mixture of organic products. Give the names and structures of all the organic products in the mixture.


Why is benzene more stable than the theoretical model cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene?


What product is formed upon addition of dimethylamine to ethanoyl chloride? Provide a curly-arrow mechanism for the formation of this product.


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