Which of the following is the correct mechanism for the reaction of 1-bromopropa
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following is the correct mechanism for the reaction of 1-bromopropane with sodium hydroxide?
E1
E2
S1
S2
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following is the correct mechanism for the reaction of 1-bromopropane with sodium hydroxide?
Step 1: Identify the reactants. We have 1-bromopropane (a molecule with a bromine atom attached to a propyl group) and sodium hydroxide (a strong base).
Step 2: Understand the type of reaction. This reaction is a nucleophilic substitution, where a nucleophile (the hydroxide ion from sodium hydroxide) replaces a leaving group (the bromine atom).
Step 3: Determine the mechanism. The S2 mechanism (bimolecular nucleophilic substitution) involves two molecules in the rate-determining step: the 1-bromopropane and the hydroxide ion.
Step 4: Visualize the reaction. The hydroxide ion attacks the carbon atom that is bonded to the bromine atom, while the bromine leaves, resulting in the formation of propanol (an alcohol).
Step 5: Conclude the mechanism. Since the reaction involves a direct attack by the nucleophile and the leaving group departs simultaneously, it confirms that the reaction follows the S2 mechanism.
