When benzene is treated with 1-chlorobutane (n-butyl chloride) in the presence of anhydrous , a mixture of alkylbenzenes is formed. What is the major product, and what mechanistic feature explains its

Question

When benzene is treated with 1-chlorobutane (n-butyl chloride) in the presence of anhydrous $AlCl_3$, a mixture of alkylbenzenes is formed. What is the major product, and what mechanistic feature explains its formation?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. 1-chlorobutane initially forms a primary carbocation-like complex with . Because primary carbocations are unstable, this complex undergoes a rapid 1,2-hydride shift to form the much more stable secondary carbocation (sec-butyl cation). This secondary electrophile then attacks the benzene ring, yielding sec-butylbenzene as the major product.

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