3 x 1 hour lessons

This module focuses on the chemistry of benzene and its derivatives. You'll revisit the structure and bonding of aromatic compounds and practise writing and explaining electrophilic substitution mechanisms. We’ll explore key reactions such as nitration and acylation, and examine their relevance in synthesis and industry.

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• Describe the delocalised structure and bonding in benzene

• Explain the stability of benzene in terms of delocalisation energy

• Write and explain mechanisms for electrophilic substitution reactions, including nitration and acylation

• Recognise the role of catalysts such as concentrated sulfuric acid and aluminium chloride

• Predict the products of aromatic substitution reactions and apply them to synthesis routes

AQA Specification Points:

3.24 Bonding

3.25 Electrophilic substitution