The knowledge that substituents on a benzene ring direct an electrophile engaged in a ring substitution reaction according to whether they withdraw or donate electrons is very old.[cite]10.1039/CT8875100258[/cite] Introductory organic chemistry tells us that electron donating substituents promote the ortho and para positions over the meta. Here I try to recover some of this information by searching crystal structures.
Posts Tagged ‘Birch reduction’
A new way of exploring the directing influence of (electron donating) substituents on benzene.
Friday, April 17th, 2015The mechanism of the Birch reduction. Part 3: reduction of benzene
Tuesday, December 4th, 2012Birch reduction of benzene itself results in 1,4-cyclohexadiene rather than the more stable (conjugated) 1,3-cyclohexadiene. Why is this?