Explain and draw the mechanism of the nucleophillic substitution reaction between bromoethane and aqueous sodium hydroxide. How is this reaction different to the elimination reaction which may occur?

The d+ carbon on the bromoethane is susceptible to attack by the OH- nucleophile (negative ion with a lone pair)( the lone pair is very important as this carries out the attack!!!).

When the nucleophile attacks the C-Br bond breaks and the halide ion (Br-) is released. The OH- therefore replaces the Br in a substitution reaction.This process is sometimes known as hydrolysis.

(see drawn mechanism)

This is different to the elimination reaction because in the elimination reaction, the hydroxide OH- ion functions as a base.This means a proton is removed by the OH- and the halogen is removed, resulting in an alkene.

(see drawn mechanism)

CG
Answered by Charlotte G. Chemistry tutor

5224 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the pH of the following solutions: 0.002 mol/dm^-3 KOH


Describe the products of the following Friedl-Crafts substitution and explain the role of the AlCl3 in the reaction: C6H6 + CH3C(O)Cl + AlCl3 = ?


Explain why: a) Fluorine is more electronegative than chlorine b)∆H hydration fluoride is more negative than ∆H hydration chloride


Explain briefly how instantaneous dipole - induced dipole bonds form.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning