The reaction between CH₃Cl and hydroxide ion follows second-order kinetics, indicating a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN₂) reaction where the rate depends on the concentrations of both reactants.
What type of reaction is depicted by the reaction between CH₃Cl and hydroxide ion, and what is the kinetic order of this reaction?
Share
The reaction between CH₃Cl (methyl chloride) and hydroxide ion is an example of nucleophilic substitution, specifically SN₂ (substitution nucleophilic bimolecular) reaction. In this process, the hydroxide ion acts as a nucleophile, attacking the electrophilic carbon center of the methyl chloride, resulting in the displacement of the chloride ion. The SN₂ mechanism involves a one-step concerted reaction, leading to the inversion of stereochemistry. This reaction is second-order kinetics because the rate depends on both the concentration of methyl chloride and hydroxide ion, making it bimolecular in nature.