What are the products of each aromatic substitution reaction? a.

Key Concepts

Aromatic Compounds

Aromatic compounds are cyclic structures that follow Huckel's rule, possessing a planar configuration and a delocalized pi electron system. This unique electron arrangement imparts stability and distinct reactivity patterns, making them prone to electrophilic substitution reactions rather than addition reactions, which would disrupt their aromaticity.

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS)

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution is a fundamental reaction mechanism in which an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring. This process typically involves the formation of a sigma complex (arenium ion) and is characterized by the reactivity of the aromatic system, which can be influenced by substituents already present on the ring.

Reaction Products

The products of aromatic substitution reactions depend on the nature of the electrophile and the substituents on the aromatic ring. Common products include substituted aromatic compounds, where the original hydrogen atom is replaced by the electrophile, and the reaction can lead to ortho, meta, or para substitution patterns based on the directing effects of existing substituents.