Question
Toluene reacts with bromide in the presence of light to give benzyl bromide, while in presence of FeBr3 it givesp-bromo toluene. Give explanation for the above observation.
Solution
In presence of light the side chain bromination reaction takes place through the formation of free radical.
On the other hand, in presence of Lewis acid, the benzene nucleus undergo electro philic substitution, resulting in the formation of mainly p-bromo toluene, since CH3, group is o- and p-directing.
On the other hand, in presence of Lewis acid, the benzene nucleus undergo electro philic substitution, resulting in the formation of mainly p-bromo toluene, since CH3, group is o- and p-directing.
