Chapter 7, Problem 7.1YT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The electron-rich and electron-poor sites in the given reaction are to be identified. The curved arrow that connects the two as “electron-rich to electron-poor” is to be labelled.

Concept introduction:

Atoms in the first and second rows of the periodic table obey the octet rules. The negatively charged ion gains electrons to complete its octet, and the positively charged ion loses electrons to complete its octet. The negatively charged ion is an electron-rich site, and the positively charged ion is an electron-poor site. In an elementary step, electrons tend to flow from an electron-rich ion to an electron-poor ion. The electron donating group has highly electronegative atoms which carries a partial negative charge. The electron-poor group has a partial positive charge.