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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3o3114

Which of the following is the best leaving group in a nucleophilic substitution at a saturated carbon?

  1. Ahydroxide,
  2. Btosylate,
  3. Cmethoxide,
  4. Damide,

Answer: B

A good leaving group is the conjugate base of a strong acid, i.e. a weak, well-stabilised base. Toluenesulfonic acid is a strong acid, while water, methanol and ammonia are extremely weak acids, so , and are strong bases and poor leaving groups. Tosylate is the best.
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More questions on SN1 vs SN2: substrate, nucleophile, solvent, leaving group