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 image depicts a chemical reaction where an epoxide (ethene oxide) reacts with a hydroxide ion to form ethylene glycol. The mechanism involves:
1. **Reactants**:
- **Epoxide (ethylene oxide)**: A three-membered cyclic ether with the formula \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_4\text{O} \).
- **Hydroxide ion (\(-\text{OH}\))**: This acts as the nucleophile.
2. **Reaction Conditions**:
- Presence of water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) as the solvent.
3. **Mechanism**:
- The hydroxide ion attacks the less hindered carbon atom in the epoxide, leading to the opening of the three-membered ring.
- This results in the formation of an alkoxide intermediate, which is subsequently protonated by water.
- The final product is ethylene glycol (\(\text{HOCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\)).
4. **Product**:
- **Ethylene Glycol**: A diol with the formula \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_6\text{O}_2 \).
The reaction is an example of a nucleophilic substitution, where the epoxide is opened by a nucleophile under basic conditions. The diagram should include arrows showing the flow of electrons from the hydroxide ion to the carbon in the epoxide, and from the epoxide oxygen to open the ring and stabilize the charge.
Expert Solution

Step 1
it is nucleophilic substitution reaction. where nucleophile is OH-
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