Describe the outcome of a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction.

In a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction, the primary outcome is the introduction of an acyl group onto an aromatic ring. This reaction typically involves the use of an acyl chloride (or sometimes an anhydride) in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as aluminum chloride. The acyl group, which consists of a carbonyl (C=O) bonded to a carbon, replaces a hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring through electrophilic aromatic substitution.

The significance of the acyl group addition lies in the fact that it can further influence the reactivity of the aromatic compound, as the resultant ketone can be subjected to further transformations. Importantly, the product of the reaction retains the aromaticity of the ring, meaning that even after substitution, the stability associated with aromatic compounds remains intact.

This reaction is particularly useful for synthesizing aromatic ketones and serves as a critical tool in organic synthesis.