Question detail
In a nucleophilic substitution reaction, what do curly arrows represent?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Introduction to organic chemistry
Question
- A. The movement of electrons
- B. The movement of protons
- C. The formation of a new compound
- D. The breaking of ionic bonds
Answer
The movement of electrons
Explanation
The correct option is The movement of electrons. The movement of electrons is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to use curly arrows to represent electron movement in mechanisms. This reasoning is anchored to Isomerism and reaction mechanisms in Introduction to organic chemistry, and it separates mechanism from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Curly Arrows
Students often forget to show the correct starting point for curly arrows, leading to incorrect electron movement representation.
Always start curly arrows from the electron pair or lone pair and point them towards the atom or bond they are moving to. For example, in a nucleophilic attack, the arrow should start from the nucleophile's lone pair and point to the electrophile's positive center.
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