BRAINCAKENucleophilic Substitution
In nucleophilic substitution, a nucleophile attacks a halogenoalkane and replaces the halogen atom. The halogen leaves as a halide ion (the leaving group).
R-X + Nu− → R-Nu + X−
Common nucleophiles are OH−, CN−, NH3 and H2O. Each has a lone pair of electrons.
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Key terms in this lesson
- nucleophile
- A species with a lone pair of electrons that is attracted to a positive centre and donates the pair to form a new covalent bond.
- curly arrow
- A symbol in a reaction mechanism showing the movement of a pair of electrons, from a bond or lone pair to where they end up.
More in Halogenoalkanes
- Classifying Halogenoalkanes
- Reactivity of Halogenoalkanes
- Hydrolysis Reactions
- Comparing the Rates of Hydrolysis
- Reaction with Alkali
- Reaction with Aqueous Alkali
- Reaction with Ammonia
- Reaction with KCN
All 11 lessons in Halogenoalkanes · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics