Chapter 7, Problem 82IP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The major product obtained when butyl bromide reacted with sodium iodide in ethanol has to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$Reaction:  It is a nucleophilic substitution reaction in which the rate determining step depends on both of the molecules involved. The bond making and the bond breaking process happens simultaneously in this reaction.  A general ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ reaction mechanism is given as,

Structure of the substrate plays major role in the reactivity of ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ reaction. If the substrate is more substituted then the rate of the reaction will becomes slower. Since the mechanism of ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ reaction proceeds through backside attack on the substrate, it depends on steric factor that if more groups attached near the leaving group the reactivity becomes slower. The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ reactivity increases in molecule with better leaving group.