Aromatic compounds are considered very stable thus difficult to react.
Birch Reduction is one example of an extreme reaction strong enough to break benzene's aromaticity to form an non conjugated cyclohexadiene.
This video breaks down the reaction and mechanism, followed by my trick for quickly identifying the product when EDG/EWG substituents are present.
(Watch on YouTube: Birch Reduction. Click cc on the bottom right for video transcript)
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This is video 3 in the Orgo Oxidation/Reduction Series. Click for complete series
Ready to test your redox skills? Try the Redox Practice Quiz and follow along with the Redox Cheat Sheet
