Friedel-Crafts reaction

noun

Frie·​del-Crafts reaction
frē¦d|elˈkraf(t)s-,
¦freˌd|
: a synthetic reaction in organic chemistry in which anhydrous aluminum chloride acts as the typical catalyst: such as
a
: the synthesis of a hydrocarbon (as ethylbenzene) by alkylation of an aromatic hydrocarbon with an alkyl halide
b
: the synthesis of a ketone (as benzophenone) by acylation of an aromatic hydrocarbon with an acyl chloride or acid anhydride

Word History

Etymology

after Charles Friedel †1899 French chemist & James M. Crafts †1917 American chemist

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Cite this Entry

“Friedel-Crafts reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Friedel-Crafts%20reaction. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

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