Chapter 8: Problem 147
When aniline is treated with acetyl chloride in presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride, the main product is (a) o-aminoacetophenone (b) \(\mathrm{p}\) -aminoacetophenone (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) m-aminoacetophenone
Short Answer
Expert verified
The main product is (b) p-aminoacetophenone.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Reaction
The reaction involves aniline (C₆H₅NH₂) reacting with acetyl chloride (CH₃COCl) in the presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride (AlCl₃). This is a type of Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction, where the acyl group (COCH₃) is added to the aromatic ring of aniline.
02
Consider Friedel-Crafts Acylation
Friedel-Crafts acylation typically introduces an acyl group to the benzene ring, creating a carbonyl group bonded to the ring. Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) acts as a catalyst to facilitate the formation of the acylium ion from acetyl chloride, which then attacks the aromatic ring.
03
Influence of Amino Group
Aniline contains an amino group (NH₂) which is ortho-para directing due to its electron-donating nature. This directs the incoming acyl group to the ortho and para positions of the benzene ring. However, aniline itself can react with AlCl₃, forming a complex that typically inhibits its reactivity.
04
Predict the Main Product
Despite the formation of a complex, when the reaction proceeds, the para position is less hindered and more stabilizing due to steric and electronic factors. Hence, the para-aminoacetophenone (p-aminophenyl acetate) is the predominant product.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Aniline: The Starting Material
Aniline, written as \( C_6H_5NH_2 \), is an aromatic amine, which means it consists of a benzene ring attached to an amino group \( (NH_2) \). This structure gives aniline unique chemical properties. Being an amine, it is a basic compound and can form hydrogen bonds, which has implications on its reactivity.
- Aniline is known for its distinct feature of an electron-donating amino group.
- This electron-donation activates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution reactions.
- It is due to this property that aniline often undergoes reactions like the Friedel-Crafts acylation.
Acetyl Chloride: The Acylating Agent
Acetyl chloride, \( CH_3COCl \), is an acyl chloride used in Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions. This compound is highly reactive due to the presence of the chlorine atom, which is a good leaving group.
- When acetyl chloride reacts, it forms the highly electrophilic acylium ion \( (CH_3CO^+) \) in the presence of a Lewis acid like aluminium chloride \( (AlCl_3) \).
- The acylium ion is the active species that attacks the activated benzene ring of aniline.
Ortho-Para Directing: Guiding Electrophiles
In organic chemistry, certain groups attached to a benzene ring can influence the position where additional substituents are added during electrophilic aromatic substitution. This is known as "directing" power. The amino group \( (NH_2) \) in aniline is a strong example of an ortho-para directing group.
- The amino group donates electrons into the benzene ring, enhancing the electron density especially at the ortho and para positions.
- This enhancement stabilizes the intermediates (carbocations) that would form if an electrophile attacks these positions.
- In the case of Friedel-Crafts acylation, this directing effect leads the acyl group to preferentially attach to either the ortho or para position.
- However, due to steric and other factors, the para position is often more accessible and less hindered, resulting in the major product being substituted at the para position.
Para-Aminoacetophenone: The Main Product
Para-aminoacetophenone is the main product in the given Friedel-Crafts acylation of aniline with acetyl chloride. Its name derives from the position of the acetyl group relative to the amino group on the benzene ring.
- The term "para" indicates that the acetyl group \( (COCH_3) \) is situated opposite to the amino group, or positioned 180 degrees away.
- This arrangement is favored due to reduced steric hindrance compared to the ortho position.
- In addition, electronic factors such as the stabilization of the aromatic system also play a role.