The chemistry of benzene is characterised by which fo the following types of reaction?

Options

A. Additomn
B. Elimination
C. Polymerisation
D. Substituion

Explanation

To determine the types of reactions that characterize the chemistry of benzene, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Benzene
Benzene (C6H6) is an aromatic compound with a planar structure and delocalized pi electrons. It has six pi electrons that contribute to its stability and unique reactivity.

**Hint:** Recall that benzene's structure is crucial in determining its chemical behavior.

### Step 2: Identify the Nature of Benzene
Benzene is an electron-rich species due to its delocalized pi electrons. This characteristic makes it attractive to electrophiles, which are electron-deficient species.

**Hint:** Consider how the electron-rich nature of benzene influences its interactions with other chemical species.

### Step 3: Recognize Electrophiles
Electrophiles are species that seek electrons. Common electrophiles include ions like NO2+ (nitronium ion) and H+ (proton), as well as neutral species like AlCl3. These electrophiles are attracted to the electron-rich benzene ring.

**Hint:** Think about what types of species would be drawn to an electron-rich environment.

### Step 4: Understand Electrophilic Substitution Reactions
Benzene primarily undergoes electrophilic substitution reactions. In these reactions, an electrophile replaces one of the hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring. This is in contrast to addition reactions, which are more common in alkenes.

**Hint:** Reflect on how substitution differs from addition in terms of the products formed.

### Step 5: Example of Electrophilic Substitution
A classic example of electrophilic substitution is the nitration of benzene. When benzene reacts with concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4), the nitronium ion (NO2+) acts as the electrophile. The reaction results in the formation of nitrobenzene and the release of a hydrogen ion (H2).

**Hint:** Consider how specific reagents and conditions lead to the substitution of hydrogen in benzene.

### Step 6: Conclusion
Based on the understanding of benzene's structure, its electron-rich nature, and its tendency to undergo electrophilic substitution, we conclude that the chemistry of benzene is characterized primarily by electrophilic substitution reactions.

**Final Answer:** The chemistry of benzene is characterized by electrophilic substitution reactions.