Question

Aniline readily reacts with bromine water to give 2, 4, 6-tribromoaniline.

Hint:

Electron-donating groups like -NH$_2$ activate the aromatic ring towards electrophilic substitution, leading to products like 2, 4, 6-tribromoaniline.

Answer 1

In an electrophilic aromatic substitution, aniline interacts with bromine water. The amino group (-NH$_2$) of aniline is electron-donating, thus activating the benzene ring for electrophilic substitution. Bromine molecules target the ortho and para positions relative to the amino group, leading to the synthesis of 2, 4, 6-tribromoaniline.

Step 1: The amino group enhances the ring's reactivity by donating electrons.

Step 2: Electrophilic substitution of bromine occurs at the activated positions.