What Are the Products of Benzonitrile with CH3CH2CH2Cl and CH3COCl Using AlCl3?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the reactions of benzonitrile (C6H5CN) with CH3CH2CH2Cl and CH3COCl in the presence of AlCl3. The first reaction, involving CH3CH2CH2Cl, is analyzed under Friedel-Crafts alkylation principles, noting that the meta-directing nature of the nitrile group leads to a less stable product when attempting to form a carbocation. The second reaction with CH3COCl is identified as nonreactive due to the deactivation of benzonitrile, which inhibits Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions.

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MarcL
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Homework Statement


Draw the products formed when benzonitrile ( C6H5CN) is treated with each reagent
D. CH3CH2CH2Cl, AlCl3
E. CH3COCl, AlCl3

Homework Equations



CN is meta director because N pulls the electron density, leaving the carbon atom more positively charged, therefore leading to resonance structure that isn't stabled if ortho / para.

The Attempt at a Solution



Well I thought we could do the reaction for D if we rearranged the alkyl halide to put the carbocation on a ( at least) 2ndare carbon.

for E I am not too sure why the reaction doesn't occur :/
 
You're correct for the first one, although I was taught that Friedel-Crafts alkylations are unreactive to deactivated benzenes, as well as poorly reactive to an alkyl chain longer than 2 carbons.

For the second one, Friedel-Crafts acylations are nonreactive to deactivated benzenes.
 

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