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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry reactions, which of the following is a characteristic feature of a nucleophilic substitution reaction?
A
Formation of a carbocation intermediate
B
Exchange of a leaving group with a nucleophile
C
Addition of hydrogen across a double bond
D
Elimination of a small molecule to form a double bond
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of nucleophilic substitution reactions. These reactions involve the exchange of a leaving group with a nucleophile. A nucleophile is an electron-rich species that donates a pair of electrons to form a new bond.
Identify the characteristic feature of nucleophilic substitution reactions. The key aspect is the replacement of a leaving group by a nucleophile, which is different from other types of reactions such as addition or elimination.
Differentiate nucleophilic substitution from other reaction types. For example, the formation of a carbocation intermediate is typical in certain substitution reactions, but not a defining feature of nucleophilic substitution.
Recognize that nucleophilic substitution does not involve the addition of hydrogen across a double bond, which is characteristic of addition reactions, nor does it involve the elimination of a small molecule to form a double bond, which is typical of elimination reactions.
Conclude that the defining characteristic of a nucleophilic substitution reaction is the exchange of a leaving group with a nucleophile, which is the correct answer among the given options.