What is the major product when 1-bromobutane reacts with sodium ethoxide? (2021)
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the major product when 1-bromobutane reacts with sodium ethoxide? (2021)
Butane
Ethyl butyl ether
1-butanol
2-butanol
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the major product when 1-bromobutane reacts with sodium ethoxide? (2021)
Step 1: Identify the reactants. We have 1-bromobutane (a molecule with a bromine atom attached to a four-carbon chain) and sodium ethoxide (a strong base and nucleophile).
Step 2: Understand the type of reaction. This reaction will proceed via an SN2 mechanism, which involves a nucleophile attacking the carbon atom bonded to the bromine atom.
Step 3: Recognize the nucleophile. Sodium ethoxide (C2H5O-) will act as the nucleophile that attacks the carbon in 1-bromobutane.
Step 4: Perform the nucleophilic attack. The ethoxide ion attacks the carbon atom in 1-bromobutane, displacing the bromine atom.
Step 5: Form the product. The result of this reaction is the formation of ethyl butyl ether (C2H5-O-C4H9) and the release of bromide ion (Br-).
Step 6: Conclude the reaction. The major product of the reaction is ethyl butyl ether.