Question detail
Which nucleophile can participate in the nucleophilic substitution mechanism with 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. OH-
- B. Cl-
- C. Br-
- D. I-
Answer
OH-
Explanation
The hydroxide ion (OH-) acts as a nucleophile in nucleophilic substitution reactions with halogenoalkanes, attacking the carbon atom bonded to the halogen.
Common mistake
Understanding Nucleophilic Substitution
Students often confuse the roles of nucleophiles and electrophiles in nucleophilic substitution mechanisms.
To clarify, remember that nucleophiles are electron-rich species that donate a pair of electrons to form a bond, while electrophiles are electron-deficient species that accept electron pairs. For example, in the reaction of a halogenoalkane with OH-, the hydroxide ion (OH-) acts as the nucleophile, attacking the carbon atom bonded to the halogen, which is the electrophile due to its partial positive charge.
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