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Grade 12Organic Chemistry

Why aryl halide generally does not show nucleophilic substitution reaction?

Profile image of Preet
8 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Simran Vinaik
7 Years ago
Aryl halides are relatively unreactive toward nucleophilic substitution reactions. This lack of reactivity is due to several factors. Steric hindrance caused by the benzene ring of the aryl halide prevents SN2 reactions. Likewise, phenyl cations are unstable, thus making SN1 reactions impossible. In addition, the carbon‐halogen bond is shorter and therefore stronger in aryl halides than in alkyl halides.