This section highlights how aromatic compounds and electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions are applied in laboratory synthesis, industrial processes, pharmaceuticals, and everyday materials. It connects theoretical concepts with practical and real-world chemical applications, making it especially valuable for Class 12 students, NEET/JEE aspirants, and undergraduate learners.
In this section, you will study:
Industrial synthesis of aromatic chemicals
Nitration of benzene for production of nitrobenzene (aniline, dyes, explosives)
Sulphonation in the manufacture of detergents and surfactants
Friedel–Crafts acylation for synthesis of aryl ketones used in fragrances and polymers
Pharmaceutical applications
Role of aromatic substitution in synthesis of analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics
Importance of directing groups in designing drug molecules
Controlled substitution for improving drug efficacy and selectivity
Dyes and pigments
EAS reactions in synthesis of azo dyes and aromatic colorants
Influence of substituents on color intensity and stability
Agrochemicals
Preparation of aromatic intermediates used in herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides
Role of halogenation and nitration in enhancing biological activity
Polymers and materials
Functionalization of aromatic rings for plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers
Aromatic monomers in polyesters and polycarbonates
Environmental chemistry
Formation and transformation of aromatic pollutants
Nitration and sulphonation processes in atmospheric chemistry
Degradation pathways of substituted aromatic compounds
Laboratory applications
Selection of reagents and conditions for controlled aromatic substitution
Avoiding poly-substitution using deactivating groups
Orientation control in multi-step synthesis
Exam-oriented applications
Identifying suitable EAS reactions for target molecule synthesis
Predicting products in applied reaction sequences
Linking theory-based questions to real-life chemical uses
This section helps learners translate reaction mechanisms into practical outcomes, strengthening conceptual understanding and application skills essential for board exams, competitive tests, and undergraduate chemistry studies.
Understanding these Applications demonstrates how aromatic chemistry underpins modern industry, medicine, and materials science.
Q. In the nitration of benzene, which reagent is used to generate the nitronium ion?
A.
HNO3
B.
H2SO4
C.
HCl
D.
NaNO2
Solution
In the nitration of benzene, concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is used to generate the nitronium ion (NO2+) from nitric acid (HNO3).
Q. What is the role of a catalyst in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions?
A.
To stabilize the product
B.
To generate the electrophile
C.
To increase the temperature
D.
To decrease the reaction time
Solution
The catalyst in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, such as AlCl3 or FeBr3, is used to generate the electrophile that will react with the aromatic compound.
