Moderate

If in a solution of an alkyl halide in a nonpolar solvent, the base is added which of the following reaction takes place?

Correct answer: D. E2

  • A. SN2
  • B. E1
  • C. SN1
  • D. E2

Explanation

If a base is added to a solution of an alkyl halide in a nonpolar solvent, an E2 elimination reaction will take place.In an E2 elimination reaction, the leaving group (the halogen atom) and a hydrogen atom on the adjacent carbon atom are both removed in a concerted reaction. The base abstracts the hydrogen atom, making the adjacent carbon atom more electrophilic, and the halogen atom leaves.The E2 reaction is favored in nonpolar solvents because the base is more soluble in the nonpolar solvent. The base can then more easily abstract the hydrogen atom from the alkyl halide.

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About Alkyl Halides

Alkyl halides are named and related to their carbon-halogen structure, polarity and reactivity. The key reactions are nucleophilic substitution by SN1 and SN2 mechanisms and elimination by E1 and E2 mechanisms, including how substrate structure, nucleophile, base, solvent and temperature influence substitution versus elimination.

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