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Narrative
Bromine is added to separate test tubes containing benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and cumene or isopropyl benzene. Isopropyl benzene reacts immediately because of the rapid formation of a very stable tertiary benzylic radical. When the samples are irradiated with light from a slide projector, the ethyl benzene reacts next, followed by toluene. Benzene is inert. The order of reactivity parallels the stability of the intermediate radicals.

Discussion

Bromination of Alkyl Benzenes