Question detail
In the context of elimination reactions, what is the significance of hydroxide ions acting as a base?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Halogenoalkanes
Question
- A. They facilitate the formation of alkenes.
- B. They increase the rate of substitution reactions.
- C. They prevent the formation of products.
- D. They do not affect the reaction pathway.
Answer
They facilitate the formation of alkenes.
Explanation
In elimination reactions, hydroxide ions (OH-) act as a base by abstracting a proton from the halogenoalkane, leading to the formation of a double bond and resulting in the production of alkenes. This is a key step in the elimination mechanism.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Hydroxide Ion Roles
Students often confuse the roles of hydroxide ions as both nucleophiles and bases, failing to explain how they can act in both capacities depending on the reaction conditions.
To clarify, hydroxide ions (OH-) can act as nucleophiles in nucleophilic substitution reactions by attacking electrophilic carbon atoms, and as bases in elimination reactions by abstracting protons. Always specify the context of the reaction to determine their role. For example, in a reaction with a halogenoalkane, state that OH- acts as a nucleophile when substituting the halogen and as a base when facilitating elimination.
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