Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction?
A
The addition of hydrogen bromide to an alkene to form an alkyl bromide.
B
The dehydration of an alcohol to form an alkene.
C
The oxidation of a primary alcohol to form an aldehyde.
D
The reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion to form an alcohol.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the type of reaction: A nucleophilic substitution reaction involves the replacement of a leaving group in a molecule by a nucleophile.
Analyze the given reactions: The addition of hydrogen bromide to an alkene is an addition reaction, not a substitution. The dehydration of an alcohol is an elimination reaction. The oxidation of a primary alcohol is a redox reaction.
Focus on the reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion: This reaction involves the hydroxide ion (nucleophile) attacking the carbon atom bonded to the halide (leaving group), resulting in the substitution of the halide by the hydroxide ion.
Understand the mechanism: In a nucleophilic substitution, the nucleophile donates a pair of electrons to form a new bond with the carbon, while the leaving group departs with a pair of electrons.
Conclude that the reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion to form an alcohol is a classic example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction, specifically an SN2 mechanism if it occurs in one step.