Question

Benzene on reaction with methylchloride in the presence of anhydrous \[\ce{AICI}\], forms toluene. What is the expected outcome if benzene is replaced by benzoic acid? Give a reason for your answer.

Answer 1

Benzoic acid does not undergo a reaction with \[\ce{CH3Cl}\], i.e., the Friedel-Craft reaction, because the carboxyl group is deactivating and the catalyst aluminium chloride (Lewis acid) gets bonded to the carboxyl group.