Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Benzylic Bromination
Benzylic bromination involves the selective substitution of a hydrogen atom at the benzylic position with a bromine atom, typically using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as the brominating agent. This reaction is favored due to the stability of the benzylic radical formed during the process, which is stabilized by resonance with the aromatic ring.
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Mechanism of Allylic Bromination.
Radical Stability
Radical stability is crucial in benzylic bromination, as the reaction proceeds through a radical intermediate. Benzylic radicals are particularly stable due to resonance stabilization, where the unpaired electron can delocalize over the aromatic ring, reducing the energy of the radical and making the reaction more favorable.
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The radical stability trend.
Resonance
Resonance in organic chemistry refers to the delocalization of electrons across adjacent atoms, which can stabilize intermediates like radicals. In benzylic bromination, the benzylic radical benefits from resonance with the aromatic ring, allowing the electron density to be spread over multiple atoms, thus stabilizing the radical and facilitating the reaction.
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Drawing Resonance Structures