Which reagent is commonly used to convert haloalkanes to alcohols?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which reagent is commonly used to convert haloalkanes to alcohols?
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium chloride
Potassium bromide
Calcium carbonate
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which reagent is commonly used to convert haloalkanes to alcohols?
Correct Answer: Sodium hydroxide
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.
