What is the effect of a -CF3 group on the reactivity of an aromatic ring in electrophilic substitution?

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Q: What is the effect of a -CF3 group on the reactivity of an aromatic ring in electrophilic substitution?

Solution: The -CF3 group is a strong electron-withdrawing group, making the aromatic ring less reactive in electrophilic substitution.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what an aromatic ring is. An aromatic ring is a stable ring structure made of carbon atoms with alternating double bonds.
Step 2: Learn about electrophilic substitution. This is a reaction where an electrophile (a positively charged species) replaces a hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring.
Step 3: Identify what a -CF3 group is. The -CF3 group is a trifluoromethyl group, which consists of one carbon atom bonded to three fluorine atoms.
Step 4: Recognize that the -CF3 group is an electron-withdrawing group. This means it pulls electron density away from the aromatic ring.
Step 5: Understand that when electron density is reduced, the aromatic ring becomes less reactive. This is because the ring is less able to stabilize the positive charge that forms during electrophilic substitution.
Step 6: Conclude that the presence of a -CF3 group makes the aromatic ring less reactive in electrophilic substitution reactions.