Question

Chlorobenzene is formed by reaction of chlorine with benzene in the presence of $AlCl_{3}$. Which of the following species attacks the benzene ring in this reaction.

• A. $Cl^{-}$
• B. $Cl^{+}$
• C. $AlCl_{3}$
• D. $\lbrack AlCl_{4}\rbrack^{-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$Cl^{+}$

Answer 2

During chlorination of benzene, anhydrous $AlCl_{3}$being a Lewis acid helps in generation of the elecetrophile $Cl^{+}$by combining with the attacking reagent.

The electrophile $Cl^{+}$attacks the benzene ring in this reaction.