Which reagent is commonly used to convert haloalkanes to alcohols?

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Q: Which reagent is commonly used to convert haloalkanes to alcohols?

Solution: Sodium hydroxide is a strong base that can effectively convert haloalkanes to alcohols through nucleophilic substitution.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Understand what haloalkanes are. They are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and halogen atoms (like chlorine, bromine, or iodine).
Step 2: Know what alcohols are. Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom.
Step 3: Learn about nucleophilic substitution. This is a chemical reaction where a nucleophile (a species that donates an electron pair) replaces a leaving group (like a halogen) in a molecule.
Step 4: Identify the reagent used for this conversion. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that acts as a nucleophile.
Step 5: Understand the reaction process. When sodium hydroxide is added to a haloalkane, the hydroxide ion (OH-) from NaOH attacks the carbon atom bonded to the halogen, replacing the halogen and forming an alcohol.