What is the main mechanism for the reaction of 1-bromobutane with sodium hydroxi
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the main mechanism for the reaction of 1-bromobutane with sodium hydroxide in ethanol?
SN1
SN2
E1
E2
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the main mechanism for the reaction of 1-bromobutane with sodium hydroxide in ethanol?
Step 1: Identify the reactants. We have 1-bromobutane (a primary alkyl halide) and sodium hydroxide (a strong base).
Step 2: Understand the type of reaction. This reaction is a nucleophilic substitution, where the bromine atom is replaced by a hydroxyl group (OH).
Step 3: Determine the mechanism. Since 1-bromobutane is a primary alkyl halide, it will undergo the SN2 mechanism, which is suitable for primary substrates.
Step 4: Explain the SN2 mechanism. In the SN2 mechanism, the nucleophile (OH- from sodium hydroxide) attacks the carbon atom from the opposite side of the leaving group (Br).
Step 5: Describe the backside attack. The backside attack allows the nucleophile to effectively displace the bromine atom, leading to the formation of butanol (the product).
Step 6: Conclude that the reaction proceeds via the SN2 mechanism due to the structure of 1-bromobutane.
