Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS) Reagents and Directing Effects

These flashcards contain the key terms and definitions related to Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution, including reagents and the effects of different substituents on the reactivity and orientation of the reactions.

EAS Reagents

Chemicals used for Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution reactions, including bromination, chlorination, nitration, sulfonation, Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation, and Clemmensen reduction.

Bromination

A reaction utilizing Br₂ and FeBr₃ to introduce a bromine atom into an aromatic compound.

Chlorination

A reaction utilizing Cl₂ and AlCl₃ to introduce a chlorine atom into an aromatic compound.

Nitration

A reaction utilizing HNO₃ and H₂SO₄ to introduce a nitro group (NO₂) into an aromatic compound.

Sulfonation

A reaction utilizing SO₃ and H₂SO₄ to introduce a sulfonyl group (SO₃H) into an aromatic compound.

Friedel–Crafts Alkylation

A reaction involving R–Cl and AlCl₃ to add an alkyl group to an aromatic compound.

Friedel–Crafts Acylation

A reaction involving RCOCl and AlCl₃ to add an acyl group to an aromatic compound.

Clemmensen Reduction

A reaction utilizing Zn(Hg), HCl, and heat to reduce carbonyl groups to methylene groups.

Ortho/Para Directors

Substituents that direct incoming electrophiles to ortho or para positions on the aromatic ring, such as CH₃, OCH₃, OH, and NH₂.

Meta Directors

Substituents that direct incoming electrophiles to meta positions on the aromatic ring, such as NO₂ and carbonyl groups.

Activating Groups

Substituents that increase the reactivity of the aromatic ring toward electrophilic substitution.

Deactivating Groups

Substituents that decrease the reactivity of the aromatic ring toward electrophilic substitution.