3 x 1 hour lessons

This module introduces the chemistry of arenes, focusing on the bonding and reactivity of benzene. You’ll explore electrophilic substitution reactions, evidence for delocalisation, and how aromatic compounds behave in nitration and acylation reactions.

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By the end of this module you will be able to: • describe the bonding and delocalised structure of benzene • explain experimental evidence for delocalisation (enthalpy and lack of reactivity) • draw mechanisms for electrophilic substitution (nitration and acylation) • describe the conditions required for these reactions • explain why benzene undergoes substitution rather than addition • predict and explain the products of reactions with benzene derivatives • describe environmental and safety considerations of nitration

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Edexcel Specification Points: Topic 18A – Arenes (Benzene)