Chapter 23.1, Problem 8LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : To write the balanced chemical equation for the preparation of 2-propanol from the reaction between Potassium Hydroxide and 2-bromopropane.

Concept Introduction : A balanced chemical equation is an equation in which the number of atoms is equal on both the reactants and the products. Each atom of a molecule must be balanced on both the reactant and the product side.

Answer to Problem 8LC

  ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CHBrCH}}_{\text{3}}+\text{KOH(aq)}\to {\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CHOHCH}}_{\text{3}}+\text{KBr}$

Explanation of Solution

Generally, there are more chances for an elimination reaction to occur than a substitution reaction in this case. If $\text{KOH}$ is present in the aqueous state then it favors the substitution reaction. In aqueous $\text{KOH}$ , the ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ion will act as a strong nucleophile and favors substitution reaction by replacing the bromine in 2-bromopropane.

  ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CHBrCH}}_{\text{3}}+\text{KOH(aq)}\to {\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CHOHCH}}_{\text{3}}+\text{KBr}$

Conclusion

Elimination reaction generally dominates the substitution reaction. Therefore, the reaction with $\text{KOH}$ will always favor the elimination reaction. If the $\text{KOH}$ is in an aqueous state, then there is a chance of the substitution reaction