Chapter 7, Problem 32P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The transition state leading to the conversion of 2-bromo-2-methylbutane into 2-methyl-2-butene on reaction with sodium ethoxide is to be written.

Concept introduction:

Sodium ethoxide is a reagent, which is widely used in reactions. It abstracts the most acidic proton from the reactant molecule.

Electrophiles are electron-deficient species, which has positive or partially positive charge. Lewis acids are electrophiles, which accept electron pair.

Nucleophiles are electron-rich species, which has negative or partially negative charge. Lewis bases are nucleophiles, which donate electron pair.

Substitution reaction: A reaction in which one of the hydrogen atoms of a hydrocarbon or a functional group is substituted by any other functional group is called substitution reaction.

Nucleophilic substitution reaction is a reaction in which an electron-rich nucleophile attacks the positive or partial positive charge of an atom or a group of atoms to replace a leaving group.

Elimination reaction: A reaction in which two substituent groups are detached and a double bond is formed is called elimination reaction.