Question

Benzene and alkyl-substituted benzenes can be hydroxylated by reaction with H₂O₂ in the presence of an acidic catalyst. What is the structure of the reactive electrophile?

Answer 1

The reactive electrophile in the hydroxylation reaction of benzene and alkyl-substituted benzenes is the hydroxyl radical (·OH).

Step-by-step explanation:

The reactive electrophile in the hydroxylation reaction of benzene and alkyl-substituted benzenes is the hydroxyl radical (·OH).

Hydroxylation of benzene involves the reaction of benzene with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The acidic catalyst protonates the hydrogen peroxide to form hydronium ions (H₃O⁺). The hydronium ions then react with hydrogen peroxide to produce the hydroxyl radical (·OH).

The hydroxyl radical is highly reactive and can attack the benzene ring, leading to the substitution of a hydrogen atom with a hydroxyl group (-OH). This substitution reaction is called electrophilic aromatic substitution.