Question

\( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{Br} + \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{NaBr} \) is an example of which of the following types of reaction?

• A. Electrophilic substitution
• B. Nucleophilic substitution
• C. Both (A) and (B)
• D. None of these

Hint:

In nucleophilic substitution reactions, a nucleophile replaces a leaving group in an organic molecule.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the reaction type.
This reaction involves the substitution of the bromine atom in \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{Br} \) with the hydroxide ion (OH⁻), which is a nucleophile. The reaction is a typical example of nucleophilic substitution. Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) Electrophilic substitution: This is incorrect because electrophilic substitution involves an electrophile, and the reaction here involves a nucleophile.
(B) Nucleophilic substitution: Correct — The hydroxide ion (OH⁻) is a nucleophile that replaces the bromine atom.
(C) Both (A) and (B): This is incorrect because the reaction is clearly nucleophilic substitution, not electrophilic.
(D) None of these: This is incorrect because (B) is the correct answer.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) because the reaction is a nucleophilic substitution where the nucleophile (OH⁻) replaces the leaving group (Br⁻).