Benzene and phenol
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Why is benzoic acid less reactive to electrophiles than benzene?
Corrie writes ....
Groups attached to the benzene ring have electron-withdrawing or electron-donating properties. The COOH group is electron-withdrawing, thus decreasing the electron availibility in the ring. This decreases its reactivity towards electrophiles.
I could go into more detail as to why the COOH behaves in this way. Come back to us via Re:act, not email, please, if you want more information.
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updated: 25 January 2008
