Electrophilic Substitution Reactions of Amines
Amines, particularly arylamines, are known for their increased reactivity in electrophilic substitution reactions due to the presence of an amino group, which is an electron-donating group. The fundamental concepts of electrophilic substitution involve the attack of an electrophile on an aromatic ring, with the amino group directing the incoming electrophile to the ortho and para positions due to the resonance structures of the amine.
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Bromination: Aniline, when reacted with bromine, precipitates a product called 2,4,6-tribromoaniline. This high reactivity necessitates control over the conditions of the reaction.
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Nitration and Sulphonation: The direct nitration of aniline often leads to side reactions forming tarry products, hence alternative methods like acetylation are used.
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Friedel-Crafts Reactions: Unlike typical aromatic compounds, aniline does not undergo Friedel-Crafts reactions due to salt formation with the Lewis acid catalyst, making the amino group act as a deactivating group.
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Coupling Reactions: Amines can engage in coupling reactions with diazonium salts used in the synthesis of azo compounds, demonstrating their utility in forming dyes. The reactivity and substitution pattern of amines during electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions highlight their role as versatile intermediates in organic synthesis.