What type of reaction occurs when 1-chloropropane is treated with aqueous KOH? (
Practice Questions
Q1
What type of reaction occurs when 1-chloropropane is treated with aqueous KOH? (2019)
Nucleophilic substitution
Elimination
Addition
Redox
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What type of reaction occurs when 1-chloropropane is treated with aqueous KOH? (2019)
Step 1: Identify the reactants. We have 1-chloropropane (a compound with a chlorine atom attached to a propane chain) and aqueous KOH (potassium hydroxide dissolved in water).
Step 2: Understand the type of reaction. Aqueous KOH is a strong base and can act as a nucleophile, which means it can donate a pair of electrons to form a bond.
Step 3: Recognize the mechanism. The chlorine atom in 1-chloropropane is a good leaving group. When KOH is added, the hydroxide ion (OH-) from KOH attacks the carbon atom that is bonded to the chlorine.
Step 4: Describe the substitution. The hydroxide ion replaces the chlorine atom, resulting in the formation of propanol (an alcohol).
Step 5: Conclude the reaction type. This process is called nucleophilic substitution because the nucleophile (OH-) substitutes for the leaving group (Cl-).
