My textbook doesn't mention the conditions required for an ipso attack to occur. It just describes some examples where groups like $\ce{-C(CH3)}$ and $\ce{-SO3H}$ are replaced by $\ce{Br}$ using reagents like $\ce{Br2}$/$\ce{AlCl3}$. Can someone describe the required conditions in detail?
1 Answer
In ipso substitution first step is usually attack of the nucleophilic species at the ipso carbon of the aromatic ring (the carbon bearing the leaving group in this case).
The first step is followed by elimination of the leaving group and regeneration of the aromatic ring.
Scheme 2
This mechanism greatly resembles the tetrahedral mechanism . The attacking species forms a bond with the substrate, giving an intermediate, such as 1, and then the leaving group departs. We refer to this mechanism as the SNAr mechanism.The reaction between 2,4,6-trinitrophenetole and methoxide ion involves ipso substitution.Intermediates of this type are stable salts, called Meisenheimer or Meisenheimer–Jackson salts,7 and many more have been isolated .
Scheme 3
In the reaction of dinitro compound with piperidine,same ipso substitution operates.
Scheme 4
In the reaction between picryl chloride and hydroxyl ions same ipso substitution operates.
Ref
1.MARCH’S ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY REACTIONS, MECHANISMS,AND STRUCTURE SIXTH EDITION ,Michael B. Smith ,Jerry March
2.Organic Chemistry, Volume 1, 6/E By Finar