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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the most critical step in the mechanism of an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction?
A
Protonation of the aromatic ring
B
Formation of the carbocation intermediate
C
Deprotonation of the carbocation intermediate
D
Formation of the sigma complex
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) involves the substitution of a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring with an electrophile.
Recognize that the mechanism of EAS typically involves several key steps: formation of the sigma complex, formation of the carbocation intermediate, and deprotonation.
Identify that the formation of the carbocation intermediate is crucial because it is the rate-determining step, where the aromaticity of the ring is temporarily lost.
Acknowledge that the stability of the carbocation intermediate significantly influences the overall reaction rate and outcome.
Conclude that while other steps like deprotonation and formation of the sigma complex are important, the formation of the carbocation intermediate is the most critical step in the EAS mechanism.