Orgo Shortcut? Aromatics

[SaintJude]

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Kaplan prep just told me that:

" The only major rx mechanism that aromatics follow is electrophilic substitution"

I see a lot of questions that ask me "what type of rx this is" ?

So when I see an aromatic ring, can I automatically think? It's probably electrophilic aromatic substitution

B/c that would be awesome!!

 

[NeverADoubt]

Kaplan prep just told me that:

" The only major rx mechanism that aromatics follow is electrophilic substitution"

I see a lot of questions that ask me "what type of rx this is" ?

So when I see an aromatic ring, can I automatically think? It's probably electrophilic aromatic substitution

B/c that would be awesome!!

There's no need to make a rule out of that. It's usually true, especially if one of your reactants is simple benzene. There is always the possibility, though, that the aromatic has a side chain like a carbonyl or hydroxyl which is doing the reaction. So I would definitely not make that rule, but be aware that it is often true! Hope that helps!

 

[lkthlttr]

Kaplan prep just told me that:

" The only major rx mechanism that aromatics follow is electrophilic substitution"

I see a lot of questions that ask me "what type of rx this is" ?

So when I see an aromatic ring, can I automatically think? It's probably electrophilic aromatic substitution

B/c that would be awesome!!

Definitely not. You can have an aromatic ring that is just a substituent that doesn't play any role in the reaction whatsoever. Focus instead on the functional groups that are changing during the reaction. That will lead you to the type of reaction much more reliably.

 

[MedPR]

Definitely not. You can have an aromatic ring that is just a substituent that doesn't play any role in the reaction whatsoever. Focus instead on the functional groups that are changing during the reaction. That will lead you to the type of reaction much more reliably.

+1. Try to avoid really broad generalizations. MCAT writers know of all of the "shortcuts" that are taught and that students often misuse, and they will certainly exploit them to see if you really know what's going on.

 

[SaintJude]

🙁 Thanks.