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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is specific to the process of electrophilic aromatic substitution in organic chemistry?
A
Electrophilic aromatic substitution
B
Nucleophilic addition
C
Radical substitution
D
Electrophilic addition
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of electrophilic aromatic substitution: This is a reaction where an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom in an aromatic ring, typically benzene. Aromatic rings are stable due to resonance, and electrophilic aromatic substitution allows them to maintain their aromaticity.
Identify the characteristics of electrophilic aromatic substitution: The reaction involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate after the aromatic ring attacks the electrophile. This intermediate is stabilized by resonance.
Compare electrophilic aromatic substitution with other types of reactions: Nucleophilic addition involves nucleophiles attacking electrophilic centers, often seen in carbonyl compounds. Radical substitution involves radicals, which are species with unpaired electrons, and electrophilic addition involves electrophiles adding to unsaturated systems like alkenes.
Recognize the typical steps in electrophilic aromatic substitution: The process generally includes the generation of an electrophile, the attack of the aromatic ring on the electrophile forming a sigma complex, and the restoration of aromaticity by deprotonation.
Apply this understanding to identify the correct reaction type: Given the options, electrophilic aromatic substitution is the specific process that involves the substitution of an electrophile in an aromatic system, maintaining the aromatic nature of the compound.