In the synthesized Friedel-Craft acylation reaction mechanism, anisole (methoxybenzene) is the nucleophile. The double bond on the nucleophile attacks the electrophile acetyl. The acetyl compound is then bound to the anisole in the para position, which created the product p-methoxyacetophenone. Since anisole is an activator (electron donor), the acetyl could have bound in either the ortho or para position (or in the meta position, but it is not as likely). However, the reason that acetyl was not bound in the ortho position was because the para position demonstrated the least amount of steric hindrance. In other lab procedures, benzoic acid is sometimes substituted for anisole in the Friedel-Craft acylation. However, the reason benzoic acid …show more content…
Another way to improve this lab would be to allow the reaction to continue stirring for longer than 30 minutes. This is because the reaction is not instantaneous and in order to make sure that the reaction has reached completion, ample time is necessary. Additionally, to improve this procedure, instead of shaking only 1 mL of 5% sodium bicarbonate with the organic layer, shake at least 2 mL of 5% sodium bicarbonate two separate times. This will reduce emulsion and pull out any excess acid or salt impurities that may still be present in the organic layer. Friedel-Crafts acylation is an extremely important reaction mechanism to know how to perform because it allows for the formation of ketones. Generally speaking, Friedel-Craft acylation could be useful in a practical application such as industrial chemistry. Using this reaction mechanism can create plastic, synthetic rubber and ethylbenzene, which can eventually lead to polystyrene (Chemical Technology). This reaction can also synthesize high-octane gasoline, commonly referred to as “premium gas.” Therefore, the products generated from Friedel-Crafts acylation are significant because they are used in everyday