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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction in organic chemistry?
A
Dehydration of an alcohol
B
Oxidation of a primary alcohol
C
Hydrogenation of an alkene
D
Hydrolysis of an ester
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of nucleophilic substitution: It involves the replacement of a leaving group by a nucleophile in a molecule. This is a key mechanism in organic chemistry.
Identify the reaction type: Hydrolysis of an ester is a classic example of nucleophilic substitution. In this reaction, water acts as the nucleophile.
Break down the hydrolysis of an ester: The ester reacts with water, where the nucleophile (water) attacks the carbonyl carbon of the ester.
Recognize the leaving group: In the hydrolysis of an ester, the leaving group is typically an alcohol, which is formed after the nucleophile attacks the ester.
Visualize the mechanism: The nucleophile (water) donates a pair of electrons to the carbonyl carbon, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate, which then collapses to expel the leaving group (alcohol), completing the substitution.