Switch of Reaction Pathway Induced by Solid Support and Ultrasound

Abstract

The influence of activation methods and solid support on the reaction course of benzyl bromide, KCN, and toluene has been investigated. When KCN is not supported on alumina, the reaction under the mechanical agitation follows the aromatic electrophilic substitution pathway, while the reaction under sonication follows nucleophilic substitution. However, when KCN supported on alumina is employed, only the nucleophilic substitution product is obtained under both ultrasound and mechanical agitation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Benzyl bromide
• electrophilic aromatic substitution
• mechanical agitation
• nucleophilic substitution
• potassium cyanide
• ultrasonic irradiation