Friedel crafts alkylation: Learn about the definition

Learn about the definition, mechanism, examples, and applications of Friedel-Crafts alkylation, a chemical reaction that adds an alkyl halide to an aromatic ring. Find out the limitations, drawbacks, and differences with Friedel-Crafts acylation. Learn how to prepare alkylbenzenes and ketones by electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions involving carbocations. Understand the mechanisms, limitations and applications of Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions. Friedel–Crafts alkylation involves the alkylation of an aromatic ring. Traditionally, the alkylating agents are alkyl halides. Many alkylating agents can be used instead of alkyl halides. For example, enones and epoxides can be used in presence of protons. Friedel–Crafts alkylation is an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction where an alkyl group is introduced to an aromatic ring using an alkyl halide and a Lewis acid catalyst.