Chapter 10: Aromatic Compounds Lesson 10.1 – How to Determine Aromaticity 1. It must be cyclic or polycyclic 2. No sp3-hybridized atoms in the ring 3. The number of π electrons in the ring must equal 4n + 2 (n = 0, 1, 2, etc.). This is called Hückel’s rule. Usually 2, 6, 10, 14 π electrons in the system. • •
Anti-aromatic compounds satisfy rules 1 and 2, but not rule 3 Non-aromatic compounds don’t satisfy rules 1 or 2
Lesson 10.2 – Effects of Aromaticity • Effects on SN1 – If a molecule forms an aromatic carbocation intermediate during SN1, then it will react through SN1 faster since the intermediate step is more stable. • Effects on Acidity – If the conjugate base is more stable due to aromaticity, then the acid will be more acidic.
Lesson 10.3 – Side Reactions of Benzenes Side Chain Oxidation
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You can only do this if your benzylic carbon is bonded to at least one H.