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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Transcribed Image Text:**The Nucleophile**
Recall that the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 process is dependent on the concentration of the nucleophile. For the same reason, S<sub>N</sub>2 processes are also dependent on the *strength* of the nucleophile. A strong nucleophile will speed up the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 reaction, while a weak nucleophile will slow down the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 reaction. In contrast, an S<sub>N</sub>1 process is not affected by the concentration or strength of the nucleophile because the nucleophile does not participate in the rate-determining step. In summary, the nucleophile has the following effect on the competition between S<sub>N</sub>2 and S<sub>N</sub>1:
- A strong nucleophile favors S<sub>N</sub>2.
- A weak nucleophile disfavors S<sub>N</sub>2 (and thereby allows S<sub>N</sub>1 to compete successfully).
We must therefore learn to identify nucleophiles as strong or weak. The strength of a nucleophile is determined by many factors that were first discussed in Section 6.7. Figure 7.26 shows some strong and weak nucleophiles that we will encounter.
**Figure Explanation: Common Nucleophiles**
The diagram presents a table of common nucleophiles, divided into two columns labeled "Strong" and "Weak":
- **Strong Nucleophiles:**
- I⁻
- HS⁻
- HO⁻
- Br⁻
- H₂S
- RSH
- **Weak Nucleophiles:**
- F⁻
- H₂O
- ROH

Transcribed Image Text:**Question 23:** Does each of the following nucleophiles favor SN2 or SN1?
**Nucleophiles:**
(a) CH₃CH₂OH
(b) CH₃CH₂SH
(c) CH₃CH₂O⁻
(d) NaOH
(e) NaCN
**Explanation:**
This question examines whether each given nucleophile favors an SN2 or SN1 reaction mechanism. Here’s a general guideline:
- **Strong nucleophiles** tend to favor SN2 reactions, especially when paired with primary substrates.
- **Weaker nucleophiles** or those that are also good leaving groups often participate in SN1 reactions, particularly with tertiary substrates.
Below is a description of each nucleophile:
- **(a) CH₃CH₂OH (Ethanol):** Typically regarded as a weaker nucleophile, often favoring SN1 in the presence of a tertiary carbon due to its neutral oxygen atom.
- **(b) CH₃CH₂SH (Ethanethiol):** A stronger and soft nucleophile, particularly suitable for SN2 reactions.
- **(c) CH₃CH₂O⁻ (Ethoxide Ion):** A strong, negatively charged nucleophile that favors SN2 reactions because of its high reactivity.
- **(d) NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide):** A strong base and nucleophile, typically promoting SN2 reactions with primary substrates.
- **(e) NaCN (Sodium Cyanide):** A strong nucleophile that typically drives SN2 reactions due to the strong nucleophilic character of the CN⁻ ion.
This classification can help students predict the likely pathway for reactions involving these nucleophiles.
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