Which one of the following is not a good leaving group ?

Correct answer: C. OH-

  • A. HSO4-
  • B. Cl-
  • C. OH-
  • D. Br-

Explanation

A good leaving group is a stable ion after it departs, and hydroxide is a strong base, so OH- is a poor leaving group. Cl-, Br- and HSO4- are more stable anions and can leave more readily. Students often choose HSO4- because its formula looks unusual, overlooking the stability of the ion formed.

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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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