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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction in organic chemistry?
A
The addition of hydrogen to an alkene to form an alkane.
B
The reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion to form an alcohol.
C
The oxidation of a primary alcohol to form an aldehyde.
D
The dehydration of an alcohol to form an alkene.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of nucleophilic substitution reactions. These reactions involve the replacement of a leaving group in a molecule by a nucleophile. The nucleophile is an electron-rich species that donates a pair of electrons to form a new bond.
Step 2: Identify the key components of a nucleophilic substitution reaction. Typically, this involves an alkyl halide as the substrate and a nucleophile, such as a hydroxide ion, which attacks the electrophilic carbon atom bonded to the halide.
Step 3: Analyze the given options to determine which one fits the criteria for a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion to form an alcohol is a classic example of this type of reaction.
Step 4: Recognize that the addition of hydrogen to an alkene, oxidation of a primary alcohol, and dehydration of an alcohol are not nucleophilic substitution reactions. These processes involve different mechanisms such as addition, oxidation, and elimination, respectively.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction from the options provided is the reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion to form an alcohol, as it involves the substitution of the halide by the hydroxide ion.