Question

Suggest the name of a Lewis acid other than anhydrous aluminium chloride which can be used during ethylation of benzene.

Answer 1

The ethylation reaction of benzene involves the addition of an ethyl group on the benzene ring. Such a reaction is called a Friedel-Craft alkylation reaction. This reaction takes place in the presence of a Lewis acid.

Any Lewis acid like anhydrous FeCl₃, SnCl₄, BF₃ etc. can be used during the ethylation of benzene.