What is the electrophile in the reaction of benzene with acetyl chloride, CH₃COCl, and AlCl₃?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetyl chloride (CH₃COCl) is an acyl halide which is an electrophile. The aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) is a Lewis acid catalyst and helps to activate the acetyl chloride for the reaction. When benzene reacts with acetyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride, the acetyl chloride is converted into an electrophilic species, CH₃CºO⁺, which attacks the pi electrons of the benzene ring. This generates a resonance-stabilized intermediate that eventually yields the final product after deprotonation with the help of the Lewis acid catalyst. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

What Is the Electrophile in the Reaction of Benzene with Acetyl