Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene
C6H6 + CH3Cl → C6H5CH3 + HCl
Overview
Benzene reacts with chloromethane in the presence of aluminum chloride catalyst to form toluene and HCl. AlCl₃ generates the electrophilic CH₃⁺ (or a complex equivalent) that attacks the electron-rich benzene ring. This electrophilic aromatic substitution is fundamental to synthetic organic chemistry.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Benzene C₆H₆ | 1 | (l) |
| Product | Hydrochloric Acid HCl | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
Toluene is a common solvent found in paint thinners, adhesives, and is the precursor to TNT (trinitrotoluene).
Industrial Importance
Friedel-Crafts reactions are used to produce ethylbenzene (for styrene/polystyrene), cumene (for phenol/acetone), and detergent alkylates.
Properties
- Type
- Organic
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -78.0 kJ/mol
- Catalyst
- AlCl₃
Related Reactions
Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde
Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia)
Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation
Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime)
Bromination of Ethylene
Buchwald-Hartwig Amination
Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene
Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate)
Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene?
The balanced equation is: C₆H₆ + CH₃Cl → C₆H₅CH₃ + HCl.
What type of reaction is Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene?
Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene is a organic reaction.
Is Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene exothermic or endothermic?
Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -78.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene?
This reaction requires a catalyst (AlCl₃).