Question

a. Which of the following are considered strong bases? That is, they are capable of doing E2 reactions.

b. Which of the following are considered strong nucleophiles? That is, they are capable of doing SN2 reactions.

Hydroxide, OH-

Ammonia, NH3

Water, H2O

Methanol, CH3OH

Methoxide, CH3O-

Cyanide, CN-

Amide, NH2-

Answer 1

The given nucleophilic compounds:

   Hydroxide, OH^-, Ammonia, NH₃, Water, H₂O, Methanol, CH₃OH, Methoxide, CH₃O^-, Cyanide, CN^-, Amide, NH₂^-

Nucleophile capable for doing E₂reaction:

   Generally strong basic compounds are used for E₂- Elimination. Because in E₂ - elimination proton abstraction and leaving group leaving happen on same time so we need strong base for E₂-elimination.

In the given compounds only CH₃O^- , OH^-, NH^-_2, are strong basic compounds so these compounds only capable for doing E₂-Elimination.

Nucleophile capable for doing S_N2 reaction:

For S_N2 reaction we need strong nucleophile. Because in S_N2 reaction nucleophilic attack and leaving group leaving are take place in simultaneously.

   In the given compounds only NH₃, CN^-, CH₃OH and CH₃O^-(some times, methoxide) are strong nucleophilic compounds so these compounds will do S_N2 reaction.

   H₂O is weak nucleophile so which won't undergo both E₂ and S_N2 reaction.