Chapter 8.12, Problem 10LTS

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Nature (basicity and nucleophilic) of the phenolate ion should be discussed.

Concept introduction:

• Highly polarizable reagents are considered as strong nucleophiles if the conjugate acid of the nucleophile has little nature then those nucleophiles considered as weak bases too. If the reagent is not polarizable and has basic nature, then the reagent is considered as strong base.
• Reaction mechanism path is depending on both natures of substrate and reagent.
• If the reagent is strong base as well as strong nucleophile and the substrate is primary alkyl halide then the reaction follows ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ mechanism if the substrate is secondary alkyl halide then the reaction follows E2 mechanism. For ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ mechanism reagent should be strong nucleophile.