To classify the type of reaction presented in the question: CH3CH2I + KOH(aq) → CH3CH2OH + KI, we need to analyze the reaction mechanism.
This reaction belongs to the category of substitution reactions, where one atom or a group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms.
In the given reaction, an iodine atom (I) in ethyl iodide (CH3CH2I) is substituted by a hydroxyl group (OH) from aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH) to form ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and potassium iodide (KI).
This type of reaction is specifically known as a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
Explanation:
The hydroxide ion (OH-) from KOH acts as a nucleophile, which is an electron-rich species that donates an electron pair to a positively charged or electron-deficient carbon atom attached to the iodine in ethyl iodide.
The iodine atom acts as a leaving group, getting replaced as iodide (I-), forming a bond with potassium ion (K+) to produce KI.
Conclusion: Therefore, the correct classification of the reaction is a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
Electrophilic substitution is typically observed in aromatic compounds, not applicable here.
Elimination reactions involve the removal of atoms or groups from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a double or triple bond, which is not the case in this reaction.
Addition reactions involve reactants combining to form a single product, which does not occur here as it involves substitution.
Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques - Reaction Mechanism
SN1 Reaction Mechanism:
SN1 reaction mechanism takes place by following three steps –
Formation of carbocation
Attack of nucleophile
Deprotonation
SN2 Reaction Mechanism:
The SN2 reaction mechanism involves the nucleophilic substitution reaction of the leaving group (which generally consists of halide groups or other electron-withdrawing groups) with a nucleophile in a given organic compound.
