The reaction of bromoethane with aqueous potassium hydroxide gives
Correct answer: D. ethanol
- A. ethene
- B. ethanoic acid
- C. ethane
- D. ethanol
Explanation
In aqueous solution the hydroxide ion acts as a nucleophile, replacing the bromine to give ethanol in a substitution reaction. The same reagent in hot ethanolic solution behaves as a base instead, removing a hydrogen and giving ethene by elimination, so the solvent decides the outcome. This pair of reactions is examined constantly and turns entirely on the conditions.
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About Nucleophilic Substitution
Nucleophilic substitution replaces a leaving group in an alkyl halide when an electron-rich nucleophile attacks the carbon atom. The topic compares SN1 and SN2 mechanisms, including reaction conditions, substrate structure, solvent effects, nucleophile strength, carbocation formation and stereochemical changes, and distinguishes substitution from elimination.
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