What purpose does FeCl_3 serve in the electrophilic aromatic substitution reacti
ID: 502345 • Letter: W
Question
What purpose does FeCl_3 serve in the electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction between chlorine and benzene? It serves as a radical initiator to produce the chlorine radical needed to propagate the chain reaction. It functions by destabilizing the carbocation intermediate and thereby increases the rate of H+ loss. It serves as a Lewis base catalyst by reacting with Cl2 to generate chloride ions. It functions by destabilizing the benzene through formation of a Ti-complex. It serves as a Lewis acid catalyst by reacting with the Cl2 and thereby activates it toward attack by benzene's pi electrons.Explanation / Answer
OPtion E
The purpose of FeCL3 is to react with Cl2 , thus polarising the CL2 to wards the attack by electron rich benzene (pi electrons).