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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry reactions, what is the primary product formed in a nucleophilic substitution reaction involving an alkyl halide and a hydroxide ion?
A
Alcohol
B
Alkene
C
Ketone
D
Ether
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the type of nucleophilic substitution reaction: Determine whether the reaction is SN1 or SN2 based on the structure of the alkyl halide. Primary alkyl halides typically undergo SN2 reactions, while tertiary alkyl halides favor SN1 reactions.
Consider the nucleophile: In this case, the nucleophile is a hydroxide ion (OH-), which is a strong nucleophile and base.
Analyze the leaving group: The halide ion (such as Cl-, Br-, or I-) is the leaving group in this reaction. A good leaving group is essential for the reaction to proceed.
Predict the product: In a nucleophilic substitution reaction, the nucleophile (OH-) will replace the leaving group (halide ion) on the alkyl halide, forming an alcohol.
Verify the reaction mechanism: For an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the electrophilic carbon from the opposite side of the leaving group, leading to inversion of configuration if the carbon is chiral. For an SN1 reaction, the leaving group departs first, forming a carbocation intermediate, which is then attacked by the nucleophile.