Chapter 7, Problem 7.3P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The curved arrows for the proton transfer reaction between ${\text{KOCH}}_{\text{3}}$ and $\text{HCN}$ are to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

Curved arrow notation is introduced as a means for keeping track of valence electrons in the elementary step of a proton transfer reaction. In the elementary step, electrons tend to flow from an electron-rich site to an electron-poor site. In general, group $\text{1A}$ metal cations tend to behave as spectator ions in the solution. Therefore, the anions in compounds containing these cations tend to behave as the reactive species. While making and breaking bonds, in the proton transfer reaction, the atoms must obey the duet or octet rule.