Free interactive chemistry · SIM-ORG-EAS-001
Electrophilic aromatic substitution
Electrophilic substitution of benzene: an arenium ion forms, then loses H⁺ to become aromatic again.
Open the interactive simulation →How to use this simulation
- Play the mechanism or step through it.
- Watch the σ-complex (arenium ion) form and then lose H⁺.
- Compare the energy profile with an addition reaction.
What to notice
- Benzene substitutes rather than adds, to keep its aromatic stability.
- A catalyst (FeBr₃) makes the strong electrophile Br⁺.
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