`C_(6)H_(5)CH_(3) overset(Br_(2)//FeBr_(3))(to)` the reaction is called

Options

A. Nucleophilic substitution
B. Free radical addition
C. Electrophilic substitution
D. Free radical substitution

Answer

To solve the question regarding the reaction of C₆H₅CH₃ (toluene) with Br₂ in the presence of FeBr₃, we will analyze the mechanism of the reaction step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
The reactants are C₆H₅CH₃ (toluene) and Br₂ in the presence of FeBr₃.

**Hint**: Recognize that C₆H₅CH₃ is toluene, which has a benzene ring with a methyl group attached.

2. **Understand the Role of FeBr₃**:
FeBr₃ is a Lewis acid that helps in the generation of the electrophile from Br₂. It does this by polarizing the Br₂ molecule, leading to the formation of a bromonium ion (Br⁺).

**Hint**: Remember that Lewis acids like FeBr₃ facilitate the formation of electrophiles in aromatic substitution reactions.

3. **Formation of the Electrophile**:
The Br₂ molecule interacts with FeBr₃, resulting in the formation of Br⁺ (bromonium ion), which is the active electrophile in this reaction.

**Hint**: Electrophiles are positively charged species that seek electrons, making them reactive towards nucleophiles.

4. **Electrophilic Attack on the Benzene Ring**:
The Br⁺ electrophile attacks the benzene ring of toluene. Since the methyl group (–CH₃) is an electron-donating group, it activates the ring and directs the electrophilic substitution to the ortho and para positions.

**Hint**: Identify the directing effects of substituents on the benzene ring; electron-donating groups direct substitutions to ortho and para positions.

5. **Formation of Products**:
The substitution occurs at either the ortho or para position relative to the methyl group, resulting in two possible products: ortho-bromotoluene and para-bromotoluene.

**Hint**: Visualize the structure of toluene and where the bromine can attach after substitution.

6. **Conclusion on the Type of Reaction**:
The overall reaction is classified as an electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) because an electrophile (Br⁺) replaces a hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring.

**Hint**: Remember that in electrophilic aromatic substitution, an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring.

### Final Answer:
The reaction of C₆H₅CH₃ with Br₂ in the presence of FeBr₃ is called **Electrophilic Substitution**.