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Friedel Crafts Reaction - Acylation of Anisole

General Aim of Friedel Crafts Reaction

Alkylation of aromatic rings and acylation of aromatic rings.

Method

Friedel crafts reaction is used for either alkylation or acylation of aromatic rings through electrophilic substitution reaction. Friedel crafts reaction is used for either alkylation or acylation of aromatic rings through electrophilic substitution reaction.

Theoretical Background / Context

• Friedel Crafts reaction is an example of electrophilic substitution reactions that can be carried out for aromatic compounds. 
• Substitution of either an alkyl group ( - CH2- R) or an acyl group ( - CO – CH2 – R) takes place leading to the formation of a new carbon – carbon bond. 
• During this reaction, aluminium chloride is used as a catalyst, where it reacts with acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride forming acylium ion (+CO – CH3) as a charged electrophile in the friedel crafts acylation of anisole mechanism.

Figure 1. Friedel Crafts Acylation of Anisole

Mechanism of Friedel Crafts Reaction:

• The friedel crafts acylation of anisole reaction proceeds when anisole reacts with acetyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride catalyst.

Principle of Work

• Acylation of anisole is carried out through Friedel Crafts reaction, where aluminum chloride is used as a catalyst.

• Then, the formed product is extracted using a separatory funnel. 
• Finally, magnesium sulfate is used as a dehydrating agent for the organic layer before evaporating dichloromethane to obtain the final product.