Friedel–Crafts reaction

Definition

The Friedel–Crafts reaction is a method used in organic chemistry to attach alkyl or acyl groups to an aromatic ring, utilizing a Lewis acid catalyst. This process transforms benzene and its derivatives by alkylation (adding alkyl groups) or acylation (adding acyl groups), enhancing the molecule's complexity and functional utility.

Related terms

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution:

A reaction mechanism where an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring, a process fundamental to the Friedel-Crafts reaction.

Lewis Acid Catalyst:

A substance that can accept an electron pair, facilitating many reactions including the Friedel-Crafts reactions by activating the alkyl or acyl halide towards the aromatic ring.

Acylation:

The process of adding an acyl group to a compound, which in the context of Friedel-Crafts reactions, results in ketone formation when performed on aromatic rings