Why is methyl benzene more reactive than benzene?

Question

Brooklyn Barber · Accepted Answer

Due to +I effect of Methyl Group

Methyl group has got electron repelling property due to its high
+ I effect caused by hyper conjugation . That is why it pushes electron towards benzene ring thus the benzene ring in toluene molecule becomes activated for having higher density of negative charge compared to simple benzene molecule. This makes the toluene molecule susceptible to electrophilic attack . That is why toluene shows more re-activity than benzene

Carter Allen · Answer

undefined Methylbenzene (toluene) is more reactive than benzene due to the presence of a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the benzene ring. This methyl group is electron-donating and increases the electron density of the benzene ring, making it more susceptible to electrophilic substitution reactions compared to benzene. Additionally, the methyl group can stabilize the intermediate carbocation formed during electrophilic substitution reactions through resonance, further enhancing the reactivity of methylbenzene.

HIX Tutor · Answer

undefined Methyl benzene is also called toluene. Here’s why it is more reactive than benzene:

1. **Methyl Group**: Toluene has a methyl group (-CH₃) attached to the benzene ring.
2. **Electron Donating**: The methyl group gives extra electrons to the benzene ring. This makes the ring more positive.
3. **Reactivity Increase**: The extra electrons help the ring to react easier with other chemicals.

In short, the methyl group makes toluene more reactive than plain benzene!