reactions of benzene

what is an electrophile?

an e^- deficient molecule w/ a +ve/δ+ charge attracted to e^- rich regions in other molecules/ions 

give the equation and reagents for the nitration of benzene:

conc HNO₃ and conc H₂SO₄

outline the and name mechanism for the nitration of benzene:

electrophilic substitution

which catalyst is used in the nitration of benzene? what is the significance of this?

• sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)

• helps to make the nitronium ion - NO₂⁺

give the 2 eqns for the formation of the nitronium ion:

• HNO₃ + H₂SO₄ → H₂NO₃⁺ + HSO₄^-

• H₂NO₃⁺ → H₂O + NO₂⁺

• (highlighted in purple - products you should give if combining the 2 eqns)

give 2 reasons why the nitration step is important in organic synthesis:

• used in the manufacture of explosives

• used in the formation of amines

outline the steps of Friedel-Crafts acylation in eqn/mechanism form - name the mechanism:

electrophilic substitution