6-33a - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

For each reaction below identify the electrophile and the nucleophile

a. 

b. 

c. 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. 

Nucleophile

A nucleophile is a substance that seeks a nucleus or positive charge. As is negatively charged and electron-rich, it seeks a nucleus. Therefore, it is a nucleophile.

Electrophile

In methyl chloride, chlorine is a more electronegative atom than a carbon atom. So, the carbon atom gets a partial positive charge, and chlorine gets a partial negative charge.

Thus, methyl chloride acts as an electrophile. Chlorine leaves with a pair of electrons followed by an attack of azide ion to form aminomethane.

The given reaction is as shown:

Nucleophile       Electrophile                Azidomethane