Question

Benzene when treated with Br\(_2\) in the presence of FeBr\(_3\), gives 1,4-dibromobenzene and 1,2-dibromobenzene. Which type of reaction is this?

• A. Nucleophilic substitution
• B. Nucleophilic addition
• C. Electrophilic substitution
• D. Electrophilic addition

Hint:

In electrophilic substitution reactions, an electrophile attacks the π-electrons of an aromatic ring, replacing a hydrogen atom while maintaining the ring's aromaticity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In the given reaction, benzene reacts with Br\(_2\) in the presence of FeBr\(_3\) to form 1,4-dibromobenzene and 1,2-dibromobenzene. This is an example of an electrophilic substitution reaction, where the electrophile (Br\(^+\)) is generated in the presence of FeBr\(_3\), a Lewis acid catalyst. The bromine atoms replace hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring, maintaining the aromaticity of the compound. Electrophilic substitution is a typical mechanism for reactions involving aromatic compounds like benzene.