Nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions

Definition

Nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions are a class of chemical reactions where an electron-rich nucleophile selectively replaces a leaving group (usually a halogen) on an aromatic ring. This reaction differs from the more common electrophilic aromatic substitution by involving a nucleophile attacking an aromatic system that typically contains an electron-withdrawing group to facilitate the substitution.

Related terms

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution:

A reaction where an electron-poor electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring.

Leaving Group:

A molecule or ion that is detached and replaced by another during a chemical reaction, often determining the reaction's rate and outcome.

Electron:

Withdrawing Group - An atom or group of atoms attached to a hydrocarbon framework that pulls electron density away from other parts of the molecule, often facilitating certain types of chemical reactions