6-11P - Organic Chemistry

Question

Classify each reaction as a substitution, an elimination, or neither. Identify the leaving group in each reaction, and the nucleophile in substitutions.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Substitution reaction. Here leaving group is bromine and the nucleophile is methoxide ion (^-OCH₃)

(b) Elimination reaction. Here leaving group is a water molecule. 

(c) Elimination reaction. Here leaving group is bromine. 

Step 1: Definition of Substitution reaction and Elimination reaction.

In a Substitution reaction, the functional group of one chemical compound is substituted by other groups.  

In an Elimination reaction, several atoms or groups are removed from the molecule. 

Step 2:

(a) is an example of a Substitution reaction, here Br atom is substituted by OCH₃ group.

Step 3:

(b) is an example of an Elimination reaction, here water (H₂O) molecule is removed.

Step 4:

(c) is an example of an Elimination reaction, here bromine molecule is removed.