1. Drug Synthesis
- Substitution reactions are used to add or replace functional groups in drugs.
- Example: Making paracetamol involves replacing a chlorine atom with an amine group.
2. Pesticides and Herbicides
- Many pesticides are made by replacing groups on aromatic rings.
- Example: Chlorinated compounds are used in insecticides.
3. Food Additives
- Some flavors and preservatives are made by substituting atoms on molecules.
- Example: Vanillin (vanilla flavor) can be made by substituting –OH and –CHO groups on aromatic rings.
4. Polymers
- Substitution reactions help make special polymers with desired properties.
- Example: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is made by substituting chlorine into ethylene.
5. Everyday Chemicals
- Cleaning agents, solvents, and dyes often involve substitution reactions.
- Example: Hydroxide replacing halides to make soaps or detergents.
Simple takeaway:
Substitution reactions are everywhere—they help make drugs, plastics, pesticides, flavors, and everyday chemicals.