Draw the full curly mechanism for the reaction between Bromo-Methane and NaOH. What reaction is it?
The negatively charged OH group attacks the backside of the Bromo-Methane (backside in the sense that it is the opposite side to which Bromine is bonded).
A transition state consisting of a central Carbon atom with five groups bonded to it, is created - it is important to denote this to be a transition state. The Bromine leaves the transition state to leave a Methanol molecule.
It is an Sn2 reaction
BB
Related Chemistry IB answers
All answers ▸How does the pKa level correlate with acid strength?
Explain whether the boiling point of 1-bromopentane will be higher, lower or the same as that of 2-bromo-2-methylbutane. (3)
What is equilibrium in regards to chemical reactions?
Describe and compare three features of the structure and bonding in the three allotropes of carbon: diamond, graphite and C60 fullerene.