Name and draw the mechanism where bromoethane reacts with NaOH to form ethanol.

Mechanism: Nucleophilic Substitution
Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. As bromine is more electronegative than carbon, the C-Br bond is polar, meaning the electron density in the covalent bond is attracted towards the bromine. Therefore Br is left with a partial negative charge, and the attached C now has a partial positive charge. This means the partially charged C is susceptible to nucleophilic attack.
A nucleophile is an electron pair donor, so the NaOH dissociates to form Na+ and -OH, with -OH acting as the nucleophile. The lone pair of electrons on the O atom is donated to the partially positive C, forming a bond between C and OH. However, C can only have 4 covalently bonded atoms so the C-Br bond breaks, with Br- as the leaving group. Therefore, ethanol is produced.
Drawing to be shown in interview.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Which Medical Schools Should I apply to?


Explain why adding small amounts of acid or base hardly changes the pH of an acidic buffer solution.


Describe the Le Chantelier principle


Describe briefly the nature of metallic bonding and use this to explain why metals are malleable (can be hammered into shape) and conduct electricity


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences