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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3o1006

Between $CH X_{3} O X^{-}$ and $CH X_{3} OH$ , which is the stronger nucleophile in the same solvent, and why?

ABoth are equal because the attacking atom is the same oxygen
B $CH X_{3} O X^{-}$ , because the negative charge makes the oxygen lone pair more available
C $CH X_{3} OH$ , because it is neutral and therefore less solvated
D $CH X_{3} OH$ , because it is the larger species

Answer: B

For nucleophiles with the same attacking atom, nucleophilicity increases with negative charge and basicity.

CH X_{3} O X^{-}

has a full negative charge and a much more available lone pair than neutral

CH X_{3} OH

.

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