3. Reaction mechanisms

3.1 Carbocation catalysis

Industrial alkylations of aromatic hydrocarbons are carried out by acid catalysis with the formation of carbonium ions. Catalysts used in this process include :

• aluminum chloride AICI ₃ ;

• HF hydrofluoric acid;

• phosphoric acid H ₃ PO ₄ ;

• boron trifluoride BF ₃ ;

• sulfuric acid H ₂ SO ₄ .

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