Question

E) phenyl group is known to exert negative inductive effect, but each phenyl ring in biphenyl (c6h5c6h5) is more reactive than benzene towards electrophilic substitution. Explain, why?

Answer 1

Answer:

Phenyl group is known to exert negative inductive effect, but each phenyl ring in biphenyl (C6H5–C6H5) is more reactive than benzene towards electrophilic substitution. ... Experimental data show that biphenyl ia more active in the reactions of electrophilic substitution.

Explanation:

The reason why biphenyl is more active in the reactions of electrophilic substitution is that the σ - complex of biphenyl is stabilized more effectively due to the participation of the second benzene ring in delocalization of positive charge.