Chapter 7, Problem 7.2P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The electron-rich and electron-poor sites of the reactants are to be identified, and the curved arrow that represents the flow of electrons from an electron-rich site to an electron-poor site is to be drawn for the proton transfer between trimethylamine $\text{(}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{3}}\text{N)}$ and water ${\text{(H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O)}$.

Concept introduction:

Electron poor atoms or molecules have fewer electrons than the number of electrons required for maximum stability. In a proton transfer reaction, a proton is transferred from a Bronsted Lowry acid (proton donor) to a Bronsted–Lowry base (proton acceptor). In an elementary step, electrons tend to flow from an electron-rich site to an electron-poor site. The curved arrow notation shows the movement of valence electrons.