Identify a limitation of the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene.
A) Acylium ion does not undergo rearrangement.
B) A benzene ring with electron-withdrawing groups can undergo alkylation under normal reaction conditions.
C) The alkylated products are less reactive than benzene.
D) Alkyl carbocation formed during a reaction can rearrange to a more stable carbocation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alkyl carbocations formed during the Friedel-Crafts alkylation can undergo rearrangement to form more stable carbocations, which can lead to a mixture of products rather than a single product. This rearrangement is a limitation because it can reduce the specificity of the reaction.

Identify a Limitation of the Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Benzene