Friedel-Crafts Acylation Concepts

Professor Dave explains Friedel-Crafts acylation, comparing it to alkylation. The video covers the mechanism, including the formation of the acylium ion and the role of the aluminum trichloride catalyst. The process results in an acylated benzene, with the catalyst being regenerated. The acylation product is meta-directing and deactivating, affecting further electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.

What is the main difference between Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation?

• The type of aromatic substrate used

• The type of chloride used

• The temperature of the reaction

• The type of catalyst used

In Friedel-Crafts acylation, what role does aluminum trichloride play?

• It acts as a base

• It acts as a Lewis acid

• It acts as a reducing agent

• It acts as a solvent

What is formed when chlorine attacks aluminum trichloride in the mechanism?

• A covalent bond between chlorine and aluminum

• A covalent bond between carbon and oxygen

• A covalent bond between aluminum and oxygen

• A covalent bond between chlorine and carbon

What is the acylium ion characterized by?

• A positive charge on oxygen

• A positive charge on carbon

• A negative charge on carbon

• A negative charge on oxygen

What happens to the aromaticity of benzene during Friedel-Crafts acylation?

• It is temporarily lost

• It is permanently lost

• It remains unchanged

• It is enhanced

What is regenerated at the end of the Friedel-Crafts acylation mechanism?

• The acylium ion

• The aromatic substrate

• The aluminum trichloride catalyst

• The acyl chloride

What byproduct is formed during the Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction?

• CO2

• Cl2

• HCl

• H2O

What is the directing nature of the acyl group in further EAS reactions?

• Para-directing

• Meta-directing

• Non-directing

• Ortho-directing

Why is the acyl group considered deactivating in EAS reactions?

• It donates electron density

• It increases the reaction rate

• It withdraws electron density

• It stabilizes the intermediate

What type of group is formed on the benzene ring in Friedel-Crafts acylation?

• A nitro group

• An alkyl group

• An acyl group

• An amino group