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Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution in organic chemistry reactions?
A
A nucleophile initiates a radical chain reaction, causing the cleavage of a bond.
B
A nucleophile abstracts a proton from a molecule, leading to the formation of a carbocation.
C
A nucleophile adds to a double bond, resulting in a rearrangement of the molecule.
D
A nucleophile replaces a leaving group in a molecule, forming a new bond.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of nucleophilic substitution: In organic chemistry, nucleophilic substitution is a fundamental reaction where a nucleophile replaces a leaving group in a molecule.
Identify the role of the nucleophile: A nucleophile is an electron-rich species that seeks out positively charged or electron-deficient centers in molecules to form new bonds.
Recognize the leaving group: The leaving group is an atom or group of atoms that can depart with a pair of electrons, making room for the nucleophile to attach.
Explore the mechanism: The nucleophile attacks the electrophilic center of the molecule, where the leaving group is attached, and forms a new bond while the leaving group departs.
Differentiate from other mechanisms: Unlike radical chain reactions or proton abstraction, nucleophilic substitution involves direct replacement of the leaving group by the nucleophile, without forming radicals or carbocations.