Chapter 9, Problem 9.8YT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The potential leaving group in the reactant and in the product of the given proton transfer step are to be circled, and the actual form in which it leaves is to be written. The leaving group is to be labeled as a good or a poor leaving group.

Concept introduction:

A leaving group is the atom or group of atoms that breaks off from the substrate during a substitution or elimination reaction. The leaving group is also a nucleophile and departs with its electron pair from its bond with the carbon atom. A good leaving group must be stable; in solution one, it has departed. This can be determined from its strength as a base. A weak base is a better leaving group than a strong base because it is more stable. This also means that a neutral leaving group is generally more stable than a similar negatively charged leaving group.