What Role Does Catalysis Play in the Friedel-Crafts Reaction?
Catalysis is crucial in the Friedel-Crafts reaction as it increases the reaction rate and selectivity. The most common catalysts used are Lewis acids such as aluminum chloride (AlCl3), ferric chloride (FeCl3), and boron trifluoride (BF3). These catalysts help by forming a complex with the alkyl or acyl halide, thereby making the carbon atom more electrophilic and facilitating its attack on the aromatic ring.
