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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 by a nucleophile. A nucleophile is a species that donates an electron pair to form a chemical bond.
Step 2: Identify the key components of a nucleophilic substitution reaction. Typically, this involves an electrophile (often an alkyl halide), a nucleophile (such as a hydroxide ion), and a leaving group (such as a halide ion).
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 involves the hydroxide ion acting as a nucleophile, attacking the electrophilic carbon of the alkyl halide, and replacing the halide ion.
Step 4: Compare the other reactions listed. The addition of hydrogen to an alkene is a reduction reaction, the oxidation of a primary alcohol to an aldehyde is an oxidation reaction, and the dehydration of an alcohol to form an alkene is an elimination reaction. None of these involve nucleophilic substitution.
Step 5: Conclude that the reaction of an alkyl halide with a hydroxide ion to form an alcohol is the correct example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction, as it involves the key components and mechanism typical of such reactions.