Benzene is a planar molecule having delocalized electrons above and below the plane of ring. Hence, it is electron-rich. As a result, it is highly attractive to electron deficient species i.e., electrophiles. Therefore, it undergoes electrophilic substitution reactions very easily.Click to see full answer. In this regard, why does benzene undergo substitution reactions rather than addition?Originally Answered: Why does benzene undergo substitution reaction instead of addition reaction? Benzene doesn’t undergo addition reactions,because of its aromaticity which gives the benzene ring enough stability. if addition reaction takes place on benzene ring it lost its aromaticity.Secondly, can benzene undergo nucleophilic substitution? Due to the presence of electron cloud of delocalised electron on benzene ring nucleophilic attack is difficult and thus normally does not undergo nucleophilic substitution reaction . Thus preferrably electrophilic substitution occurs. Considering this, why do aromatic compounds undergo substitution rather than addition? Their lack of reactivity toward addition reactions is due to the great stability of the ring systems that result from complete π electron delocalization (resonance). Aromatic compounds react by electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, in which the aromaticity of the ring system is preserved.What type of reactions does benzene undergo?Benzene is much more stable than expected. The extra stability means that benzene will less readily undergo addition reactions. The more loosely held electrons are open to attack by electrophiles. Hence, the characteristic reaction of benzene is electrophilic substitution.
