[Joules23]

I thought this reaction will not occur because FC-alkylation cannot work with an EWG as the substituent?

[macman104]

You don't *just* have an EWG though.  You also have a EDG from the cycloalkane, yes?

EDG direct to which positions?  Which position is the Cl in relative to the cycloalkane?
EWG direct to which positions?  Which position is the Cl in relative to the nitro group?

Can you see the reinforcement that forces the Cl into the position it's in?

[Joules23]

Thanks!!

[spirochete]

Also that is a halogenation, not a FC-alkylation.  Maybe the OP confused them because they both use strong lewis acid catalysts?

[macman104]

Good catch!  Very possibly that is why.  For the electrophilic aromatic substitution, I agree they may just see AlCl3 and think FC.

[Joules23]

ahhh OK.. so even if the cycloakane wasnt there, and the only substituent was NO2, the reaction will still occur because it is halogenation?

[spirochete]

correct