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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 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
Understand the concept of nucleophilic substitution: In organic chemistry, a nucleophilic substitution reaction involves the replacement of a leaving group by a nucleophile. The nucleophile is an electron-rich species that donates a pair of electrons to form a new bond.
Identify the key components of a nucleophilic substitution reaction: Typically, these reactions involve an alkyl halide as the substrate and a nucleophile, such as a hydroxide ion, which attacks the electrophilic carbon atom bonded to the halide.
Analyze the given options: Evaluate each reaction to determine if it fits the criteria for nucleophilic substitution. The addition of hydrogen to an alkene, dehydration of an alcohol, and oxidation of a primary alcohol do not involve a nucleophile replacing a leaving group.
Focus on the correct option: The reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion is a classic example of nucleophilic substitution. Here, the hydroxide ion acts as the nucleophile, attacking the carbon atom bonded to the halide, resulting in the formation of an alcohol.
Visualize the mechanism: In the nucleophilic substitution reaction, the hydroxide ion approaches the carbon atom, forming a bond while the halide ion leaves as a leaving group. This process can be represented as: