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Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors can speed up the rate of a nucleophilic substitution reaction in organic chemistry?
A
Using a polar protic solvent
B
Increasing the steric hindrance around the electrophile
C
Increasing the concentration of the nucleophile
D
Decreasing the temperature
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of nucleophilic substitution reactions, which involve a nucleophile attacking an electrophile, resulting in the substitution of a leaving group.
Recognize that the rate of a nucleophilic substitution reaction can be influenced by several factors, including the concentration of the nucleophile, the nature of the solvent, steric hindrance, and temperature.
Consider the role of nucleophile concentration: Increasing the concentration of the nucleophile generally increases the rate of the reaction, as there are more nucleophile molecules available to attack the electrophile.
Evaluate the effect of steric hindrance: Increasing steric hindrance around the electrophile can slow down the reaction rate because it makes it more difficult for the nucleophile to access the electrophile.
Analyze the impact of temperature: Decreasing the temperature typically slows down the reaction rate because molecular motion is reduced, leading to fewer effective collisions between the nucleophile and electrophile.