Question

Which of the following is rate determining step in electrophilic substitution reaction?

(a) Generation of electrophile

(b) Attack by an electrophilic reagent on benzene ring

(c) Formation of product

(d) All of the mentioned

The question was asked during an interview for a job.

My question is based upon Electrophillic Substitution Reaction in portion Reactivity of Molecules Reaction Mechanism of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) Attack by an electrophilic reagent on benzene ring

To explain I would say: Attack by an electrophilic reagent on benzene ring is a rate determining step in electrophilic substitution reaction. It is also the slowest step of the reaction.