friedelcrafts-alkylation-suffers-from-overalkylation-and-nbspi-identify-the-prod

Question

Friedel–Crafts alkylation suffers from overalkylation.

i. Identify the product of the reaction below considering overalkylation

ii. What makes it difficult to control and add only one alkyl group?

Reaction showing Friedel-Crafts alkylation producing a product with three ethyl groups.

Accepted Answer

Another benzene derivative with multiple ethyl groups attached.

ii. Adding alkyl groups to benzene activates the ring and makes it more reactive, thus promoting more alkylation.

Answer

Structure of a benzene derivative with multiple ethyl groups attached.

ii. Alkyl groups are small enough to simultaneously react at multiple carbons in a benzene ring.

Answer

Benzene derivative showing the addition of alkyl groups.

ii. Adding alkyl groups to benzene activates the ring and makes it more reactive, thus promoting more alkylation.

Answer

Benzene derivative with a single ethyl group attached.

ii. Alkyl groups are small enough to simultaneously react at multiple carbons in a benzene ring.