Sn2

[Mstoothlady2012]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

CH3COCl + I- -DMSO--> CH3COI + Cl-

Would you say this reaction will take place?

Thanks!

 

[drgreen]

Reactions are usually in equilibrium unless a product of the 'forward reaction' leaves the solution (becomes a solid, or leaves as a gas). In this case, I- is a better leaving group than Cl- because it can host electron density more readily (bigger atomic radius) and thus this reaction takes place, but equilibrium is probably shifted left.

U put DMSO as a solvent, right?

 

[Mstoothlady2012]

Reactions are usually in equilibrium unless a product of the 'forward reaction' leaves the solution (becomes a solid, or leaves as a gas). In this case, I- is a better leaving group than Cl- because it can host electron density more readily (bigger atomic radius) and thus this reaction takes place, but equilibrium is probably shifted left.

U put DMSO as a solvent, right?

yea! What you are saying makes sense. But technically this reaction does happen, so the answer should be yes right? I is a better leaving group but it is also a better nucleophile. So it will force Cl to leave and make this reaction happen.

 

[drgreen]

I think that, YES, the reaction will happen both forwards and backwards.
And you are right, I- is a better nucleophile.

 

[Mstoothlady2012]

I think that, YES, the reaction will happen both forwards and backwards.
And you are right, I- is a better nucleophile.

ok kaplan is stupid, it had this reaction and it was asking whether it would happen or not. whatever!! I think even though Cl- is a weak leaving group, it would still work out since I- is such a good nucelophile. Thanks!

 

[doc3232]

Like you said, this is a bad question.
Iodine is the best leaving group and also the best nucleophile so the reaction will be in equilibrium with about half COCl and half COI (just guessing it will be equal).