Question

The most reactive nucleophile among the following is

• A. $CH _{3} O ^{-}$
• B. $C _{6} H _{5} O ^{-}$
• C. $\left( CH _{2}\right)_{2} CHO ^{-}$
• D. $\left( CH _{3}\right)_{3} CO ^{-}$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct answer is Option A) \(CH _{3}O ^{-}\)

More the number of attached methyl groups better the nucleophilicity due to \(+I\) -effect.

Read more from the chapter: Organic Chemistry: Basic Principles and Techniques

Answer 2

The correct answer is Option D) \(CH _{3}O ^{-}\)

Real Life Applications

They can be used in: 

• Organic Synthesis: Methoxide ion is commonly used as a strong base in organic synthesis reactions. 
• Biodiesel Production: Methoxide ion is used in the production of biodiesel through a process called transesterification. 
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Methoxide ion is used in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds. 

Question can also be asked as

1. What is the most reactive nucleophile?
2. How do you compare the nucleophilicity of different nucleophiles?
3. What are the factors that affect the nucleophilicity of a nucleophile?

Answer 3

The correct answer is Option D) \(\left( CH _{3}\right)_{3} CO ^{-}\)

Nucleophile is a molecule with free electron pair. Nucleophile tends to donate the electron pairs to an electrophile and forms a chemical bond. It is an electron-rich molecule. 

Properties of nucleophile

• They are electron-rich species.
• They are nucleus-loving.
• The charge on a nucleophile is either neutral or negative.
• They tend to donate electrons to form bonds.

 Ambient nucleophile 

These are molecules that can carry nucleophilic attacks from two or more places. There can be the formation of two or more products. 

Mechanism of nucleophilic substitution 

There are two mechanisms for the substitution:

• SN2 mechanism
• SN1 reaction

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Related Concepts
Rate of reaction	Ions	Nucleophilic substitution
Substitution reaction	Electrophiles	Electrons