The reaction between 2-bromo-2-methylpropane and hydroxide ions occurs in two steps - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 2
The reaction between 2-bromo-2-methylpropane and hydroxide ions occurs in two steps.
step 1:
(CH₃)₃CBr(aq) → (CH₃)₃C⁺ + Br⁻(aq)
step 2:
(CH₃)₃C⁺(aq) + OH... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The reaction between 2-bromo-2-methylpropane and hydroxide ions occurs in two steps - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. Write an equation that represents the overall reaction between 2-bromo-2-methylpropane and hydroxide ions.
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Answer
The overall reaction can be represented as:
(CH3)3CBr(aq)+OH−(aq)→(CH3)3COH(aq)+Br−(aq)
Step 2
b. i. Which step involves an endothermic reaction? Provide a reason for your answer.
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Answer
Step 1 involves an endothermic reaction because the energy required to form the carbocation intermediate, (CH3)3C+, is higher than that of the reactant (CH3)3CBr.
Step 3
b. ii. Which step is slower? Justify your answer.
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Answer
Step 1 is slower due to the formation of the carbocation intermediate, which requires overcoming a higher activation energy barrier compared to the second step, where the nucleophilic attack occurs.
