MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Organic Reaction Mechanisms II: Electrophilic and Radical Reactions / Electrophilic aromatic substitution: mechanism and directing effects
NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3o2112

The cationic intermediate formed when an electrophile attacks benzene in electrophilic aromatic substitution is called

  1. Abenzyne
  2. Barenium ion (sigma complex)
  3. Ccarbanion
  4. Dfree radical

Answer: B

The electrophile bonds to one ring carbon, which becomes sp3, and the positive charge is delocalised over the other five carbons. This resonance-stabilised cation is the arenium ion (sigma complex). Loss of H+ then restores aromaticity.
Practice Organic Reaction Mechanisms II: Electrophilic and Radical Reactions More on Electrophilic aromatic substitution: mechanism and directing effects
Previous questionNext question

More questions on Electrophilic aromatic substitution: mechanism and directing effects