The major product of the following reaction contains ____ bromine atom(s). — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Counting Bromine Atoms in Major Product **Step 1: Identify the reaction type** This is an electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reaction. Bromine adds to an aromatic ring via a bromine cation (Br⁺) electrophile. **Step 2: Determine the limiting reagent** In typical bromination reactions, 1 mole of Br₂ reacts with 1 mole of aromatic compound to form the major product (monobromination). **Step 3: Analyze the aromatic substrate** The starting material is a single benzene ring or substituted benzene. One position on the ring is activated for attack by the Br⁺ electrophile (ortho/para directing groups direct substitution; deactivating groups direct meta). **Step 4: Account for the reaction mechanism** - Br₂ → Br⁺ + Br⁻ - Br⁺ attacks the π-system (aromatic ring) - Only **one** Br⁺ adds to the ring under normal conditions - The other Br⁻ acts as a leaving group and is released **Step 5: Identify the major product** The major product contains one benzene ring with one bromine substituent (C₆H₅Br or a substituted bromobenzene). Therefore, the answer is **1**.