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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction in organic chemistry?
A
Esterification of carboxylic acids
B
Hydrogenation of alkenes
C
Dehydration of alcohols
D
SN2 reaction of alkyl halides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of nucleophilic substitution reactions: These reactions involve the replacement of a leaving group in a molecule by a nucleophile. The two main types are SN1 and SN2 reactions.
Identify the characteristics of an SN2 reaction: It is a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution where the nucleophile attacks the substrate from the opposite side of the leaving group, leading to an inversion of configuration.
Analyze the given options: Esterification of carboxylic acids involves the formation of an ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, which is not a nucleophilic substitution. Hydrogenation of alkenes involves the addition of hydrogen, not substitution. Dehydration of alcohols involves the removal of water, not substitution.
Focus on the SN2 reaction of alkyl halides: In this reaction, an alkyl halide undergoes substitution where the halide ion (leaving group) is replaced by a nucleophile, fitting the definition of a nucleophilic substitution.
Conclude that the SN2 reaction of alkyl halides is the correct example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction among the given options.