This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
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Step 1: Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS) is the primary reaction type for benzene. The delocalized pi electrons in the benzene ring make it electron-rich and susceptible to attack by electrophiles (electron-seeking species). Step 2: In EAS, an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring. The general mechanism involves the formation of a resonance-stabilized carbocation intermediate (the arenium ion) followed by the loss of a proton to restore aromaticity. Step 3: Common EAS reactions include: Nitration: Reaction with nitric acid (HNO₃) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to form nitrobenzene (C₆H₅NO₂). Halogenation: Reaction with a halogen (e.g., Br₂) in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst (e.g., FeBr₃) to form halobenzenes (e.g., bromobenzene, C₆H₅Br). Sulfonation: Reaction with fuming sulfuric acid (SO₃ in H₂SO₄) to form benzenesulfonic acid (C₆H₅SO₃H). Friedel-Crafts Alkylation: Reaction with an alkyl halide (R-Cl) and a Lewis acid catalyst (e.g., AlCl₃) to attach an alkyl group to the ring. Friedel-Crafts Acylation: Reaction with an acyl halide (R-COCl) and a Lewis acid catalyst (e.g., AlCl₃) to attach an acyl group to the ring. Step 4: Benzene itself is relatively unreactive compared to alkenes because undergoing addition reactions would disrupt its stable aromatic system. Therefore, substitution reactions are favored. That's 2 down. 3 left today — send the next one.