Is ethoxide ion a better nucleophile than methoxide ion?
Answers
Answered by
6
A nucleophile is a species that donates a pair of electrons to form a new covalent bond. Nucleophilicity is measured by comparing reaction rates; the faster the reaction, the better (or, “stronger”) the nucleophile.
When discussing nucleophilicity we’re specifically talking about donating a pair of electrons to an atom other than hydrogen (usually carbon). When a species is donating a pair of electrons to a hydrogen (more specifically, a proton, H+) we call it a base.
There are at least four key factors contributing to nucleophilicity.
Charge
Electronegativity
Solvent
Steric hindrance
Due to 4th factor methoxide ion is better nucleophile.
When discussing nucleophilicity we’re specifically talking about donating a pair of electrons to an atom other than hydrogen (usually carbon). When a species is donating a pair of electrons to a hydrogen (more specifically, a proton, H+) we call it a base.
There are at least four key factors contributing to nucleophilicity.
Charge
Electronegativity
Solvent
Steric hindrance
Due to 4th factor methoxide ion is better nucleophile.
Similar questions