Which of the following compounds is least reactive in nucleophilic substitution
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following compounds is least reactive in nucleophilic substitution reactions? (2023)
1-bromopropane
2-bromopropane
3-bromopropane
Benzyl bromide
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following compounds is least reactive in nucleophilic substitution reactions? (2023)
Step 1: Understand what nucleophilic substitution reactions are. These are reactions where a nucleophile (a species that donates an electron pair) replaces a leaving group (like bromine) in a compound.
Step 2: Identify the compounds being compared. In this case, we are looking at benzyl bromide and other compounds.
Step 3: Recognize that the reactivity in these reactions can depend on the stability of the intermediate formed during the reaction.
Step 4: Learn about resonance stabilization. This means that the positive charge in the intermediate (the benzyl cation) can be spread out over multiple atoms, making it more stable.
Step 5: Conclude that since benzyl bromide forms a stable benzyl cation due to resonance, it is less reactive in nucleophilic substitution compared to other compounds that do not have this stabilization.