15 Questions
In nucleophilic substitutions, alkyl halides are classified as:
Primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°) based on the number of carbon groups directly bonded to the carbon bearing the halogen atom
What is necessary in any substitution reaction?
Nucleophile, leaving group, and substrate
Which species is commonly attracted to a region of positive charge in nucleophilic substitution?
Nucleophile
What makes H2O a better leaving group than HO¯ in nucleophilic substitution?
H2O is a weaker base
What do nucleophiles and bases have in common?
Both have a lone pair or a π bond
In the context of nucleophilic substitution, what determines the classification of alkyl halides as primary, secondary, or tertiary?
The number of carbon groups directly bonded to the carbon bearing the halogen atom
What is the role of the leaving group in a nucleophilic substitution reaction?
To depart with the electron pair, forming X:¯
Which species is commonly attracted to a region of positive charge in nucleophilic substitution?
Nucleophile
What determines whether H2O is a better leaving group than HO¯ in nucleophilic substitution?
Strength as a base
How are nucleophiles and bases structurally similar in nucleophilic substitution reactions?
Both possess lone pairs or π bonds
Which type of hydrocarbon contains only single bonds between carbon atoms?
Alkane
What is the IUPAC name for an alkane with 4 carbon atoms?
Butane
What type of bond is found in alkanes?
Nonpolar covalent bond
What holds alkanes to other molecules?
London forces
Which type of compound may be both straight and cyclic?
Aromatic compound
Study Notes
Nucleophilic Substitutions
- Alkyl halides are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary in nucleophilic substitutions.
- A nucleophile is necessary in any substitution reaction.
Nucleophiles and Leaving Groups
- Nucleophiles are attracted to a region of positive charge in nucleophilic substitution reactions.
- Nucleophiles and bases have in common that they are both electron-rich species.
- The leaving group plays a crucial role in a nucleophilic substitution reaction, as it helps to stabilize the transition state.
- H2O is a better leaving group than HO¯ due to its ability to stabilize the transition state through hydrogen bonding.
Alkyl Halides Classification
- The classification of alkyl halides as primary, secondary, or tertiary depends on the number of carbon atoms bonded to the alpha carbon.
Alkanes
- Alkanes are hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.
- The IUPAC name for an alkane with 4 carbon atoms is butane.
- Alkanes are held together by van der Waals forces, which hold them to other molecules.
- Alkanes can be both straight and cyclic.
Test your knowledge of reaction mechanisms, nucleophilic substitutions (SN1 and SN2), elimination (E1 and E2), and the classification of alkyl halides based on the number of carbon groups directly bonded to the carbon bearing the halogen atom.
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