Mechanism for the reaction of succinic anhydride and AlCl3
1. Formation of Acyl Chloride Intermediate
- Succinic anhydride reacts with AlCl3 to form an acyl chloride intermediate.
- This reaction is facilitated by the Lewis acid, AlCl3, which acts as a catalyst by coordinating with the carbonyl oxygen of succinic anhydride.
2. Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution on Benzene
- The acyl chloride intermediate generated in the first step undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution on benzene.
- The benzene ring acts as a nucleophile attacking the electrophilic acyl chloride intermediate.
3. Formation of Gamma Keto Acid
- The electrophilic addition of the acyl group to the benzene ring results in the formation of a gamma keto acid.
- This gamma keto acid is the final product obtained from the acylation of benzene using succinic anhydride and AlCl3.
4. Regeneration of the Catalyst
- After the reaction is complete, AlCl3 can be regenerated and reused as a catalyst for subsequent reactions.
- The catalyst plays a crucial role in facilitating the acylation reaction by promoting the formation of the acyl chloride intermediate.
In conclusion, the reaction of succinic anhydride and AlCl3 involves the formation of an acyl chloride intermediate, electrophilic aromatic substitution on benzene, and the generation of a gamma keto acid. This mechanism highlights the role of AlCl3 as a catalyst in promoting the acylation of benzene to yield the desired product.