Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons — practice question

When benzene is treated with bromine in the presence of the aluminium bromide catalyst, $\text{AlBr}_3$, bromobenzene is formed. The reaction is a substitution reaction, not an addition reaction.
(a(i))[1]

Explain why no addition reaction occurs.

(a(ii))[3]

$\text{AlBr}_3$ reacts with bromine to produce the electrophile, $\text{Br}^+$. Draw the mechanism for the reaction between benzene and $\text{Br}^+$ ions. Include all the relevant arrows and charges.

(a(iii))[1]

Write an equation to show how the $\text{AlBr}_3$ catalyst is regenerated.

(b)[2]

Suggest why bromination of phenol happens more readily than bromination of benzene.

(c(i))[3]

Four different carbocations have the same formula, $\text{C}_4\text{H}_9^+$. One structure is already given in the table. Suggest the structural formulae of the other three carbocations.

(c(ii))[4]

Benzene reacts with each of these carbocations in separate Friedel-Crafts alkylation reactions. In each case, an organic compound with formula $\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{14}$ is formed. The number of peaks in the carbon-13 NMR spectrum of each compound is given. Suggest the structures of the other three compounds.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The substitution product is stabilised by delocalisation of $6\pi$ electrons (or the addition product is not stabilised).

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