Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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![**Question 16: Determining the Most Nucleophilic Compound**
In this question, students are asked to identify which compound is the most nucleophilic among the following options:
A) CH₃SH
B) CH₃OH
C) H₂O
D) CH₃CO₂H
E) BF₃
**Explanation:**
Nucleophilicity refers to the ability of a compound to donate an electron pair. This property is influenced by factors such as the presence of lone pairs, the electronegativity of atoms, and the steric hindrance around the reactive site.
**Option Analysis:**
- **A) CH₃SH (Methanethiol)**: Contains a sulfur atom with lone pairs, making it a strong nucleophile due to the reduced electronegativity of sulfur compared to oxygen.
- **B) CH₃OH (Methanol)**: Contains an oxygen atom with lone pairs; however, oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur, making it less nucleophilic than CH₃SH.
- **C) H₂O (Water)**: Similar to methanol, but without the alkyl group which somewhat stabilizes the negative charge.
- **D) CH₃CO₂H (Acetic Acid)**: While it has an oxygen atom with lone pairs, the presence of the carbonyl group decreases its nucleophilicity through resonance.
- **E) BF₃ (Boron Trifluoride)**: Acts as an electrophile rather than a nucleophile due to its electron-deficient boron atom.
**Conclusion:**
- **Answer: A) CH₃SH** is the most nucleophilic compound, as sulfur's larger atomic size and lower electronegativity compared to oxygen increase its nucleophilic characteristics.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F63e2e494-b56f-474b-94e6-a1b0d865891f%2F5989cbfb-ae29-41f5-a6f5-10d54360f9fc%2F55hxj9vd_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 16: Determining the Most Nucleophilic Compound**
In this question, students are asked to identify which compound is the most nucleophilic among the following options:
A) CH₃SH
B) CH₃OH
C) H₂O
D) CH₃CO₂H
E) BF₃
**Explanation:**
Nucleophilicity refers to the ability of a compound to donate an electron pair. This property is influenced by factors such as the presence of lone pairs, the electronegativity of atoms, and the steric hindrance around the reactive site.
**Option Analysis:**
- **A) CH₃SH (Methanethiol)**: Contains a sulfur atom with lone pairs, making it a strong nucleophile due to the reduced electronegativity of sulfur compared to oxygen.
- **B) CH₃OH (Methanol)**: Contains an oxygen atom with lone pairs; however, oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur, making it less nucleophilic than CH₃SH.
- **C) H₂O (Water)**: Similar to methanol, but without the alkyl group which somewhat stabilizes the negative charge.
- **D) CH₃CO₂H (Acetic Acid)**: While it has an oxygen atom with lone pairs, the presence of the carbonyl group decreases its nucleophilicity through resonance.
- **E) BF₃ (Boron Trifluoride)**: Acts as an electrophile rather than a nucleophile due to its electron-deficient boron atom.
**Conclusion:**
- **Answer: A) CH₃SH** is the most nucleophilic compound, as sulfur's larger atomic size and lower electronegativity compared to oxygen increase its nucleophilic characteristics.
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