124k views
1 vote
What happens to toluene when it undergoes hydrogen abstraction from its methyl group?

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group of toluene leads to the formation of methyl radical and toluene radical.

Step-by-step explanation:

When toluene undergoes hydrogen abstraction from its methyl group, a hydrogen atom is removed from the methyl group (-CH3) attached to the aromatic ring of toluene. This results in the formation of a methyl radical (·CH3) and a toluene radical (·C6H5). The methyl radical can then react with other molecules, while the toluene radical can undergo further reactions to form different products.

For example, the methyl radical can react with oxygen to form methyl peroxy radical (·CH3OO·). The toluene radical can react with other molecules or radicals, such as chlorine, to undergo substitution reactions where a chlorine atom replaces a hydrogen atom attached to the aromatic ring.

Overall, hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group of toluene leads to the formation of methyl radical and toluene radical, which can participate in various reactions and reactions with other molecules or radicals.

User Lucas Arrefelt
by
8.2k points