Predict the product(s) for the following reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given reaction involves the substitution of a methyl group (-CH3) on a benzene ring by a fluorine atom (-F) in the presence of elemental fluorine (F2) and a catalyst. This is a classic example of electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reaction.

In this reaction, F2 acts as the source of electrophilic fluorine species, which attacks the benzene ring and forms an intermediate cationic species. The catalyst (AlF3) helps in the formation of this intermediate by stabilizing the positive charge on the carbon atom attached to the methyl group. Finally, a fluoride ion (F-) attacks this intermediate and forms the final product.

Since only one chlorine atom is present as a reactant, there can be only one possible product. The product formed is 1-fluoro-3-methylbenzene, which is represented as F1F1F1S1F1F1F10. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Predict the Product(s) for the Following Reaction