Question

what type of reactions benzene and benzene derivatives typically undergo? provide at least two examples

Answer 1

Benzene and benzene derivatives typically undergoes substitution reactions rather than addiditon reactions because addition reactions disrupt the delocolisation of the pi molecular orbital which then results in the stability of the benzene compound being reduced whereas substitution reactions only cause temporary disruption and so the stability of the benzene.

In that benzene undergoes electrophilic substitution reactions. Benzene is a planar molecule having delocalized electrons above and below the plane of ring. Hence, it is electron-rich. As a result, it is highly attractive to electron deficient species (i.e.,) electrophiles. Therefore, it undergoes electrophilic substitution reactions very easily.

Examples are nitration of benzene gives nitrobenzene

Sulphonation of benzene to give benzene sulphonic acid