MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Organic Reaction Mechanisms I: Nucleophiles and Carbonyl Addition / Solvent effects on reactions
JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3o1053

Which of the following reactions proceed predominantly by the pathway?

  1. A in DMSO
  2. B in aqueous ethanol
  3. C in acetone
  4. D in ethanoic acid (solvolysis)

Answer: A, C

A primary or methyl halide with a good anionic nucleophile in a polar aprotic solvent reacts by (A and C). A tertiary halide in a polar protic ionising solvent (B, D) reacts by via the tertiary carbocation, since backside attack is blocked.
Practice Organic Reaction Mechanisms I: Nucleophiles and Carbonyl Addition More on Solvent effects on reactions

More questions on Solvent effects on reactions