To successfully synthesize pure, high-yield p-bromoaniline from aniline, the highly activating amine — Amines Chemistry Question
Question
To successfully synthesize pure, high-yield p-bromoaniline from aniline, the highly activating amine group must be temporarily "protected" to severely hinder polysubstitution. What is the standard chemical reagent strictly utilized for this specific protection step?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Aniline is reacted with acetic anhydride to forcefully form acetanilide. The bulky acetyl group physically hinders ortho attack, and the highly electronegative carbonyl effectively withdraws electron density from the nitrogen lone pair via extensive resonance. This drastically reduces ring activation, allowing for strictly controlled para-monobromination prior to final hydrolysis.