Question detail
Why is the role of hydroxide ions as a base important in elimination reactions of halogenoalkanes?
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. It leads to the formation of stable intermediates.
- B. It allows for the removal of halide ions.
- C. It facilitates the formation of alkenes by removing protons.
- D. It decreases the overall energy of the reaction.
Answer
It facilitates the formation of alkenes by removing protons.
Explanation
In elimination reactions, hydroxide ions (OH-) act as a base by abstracting protons from the halogenoalkane. This process is essential for the formation of alkenes, as it results in the creation of a double bond, which is the desired product of elimination.
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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