Conversion of Alkyl Halide to Ethyl Alcohol
The conversion of an alkyl halide into ethyl alcohol involves a specific type of chemical reaction known as a substitution reaction. Here's a detailed explanation:
What is an Alkyl Halide?
- Alkyl halides are organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and halogen atoms.
- They are often reactive due to the polar bond between carbon and the halogen.
Substitution Reaction Explained
- In a substitution reaction, one functional group in a molecule is replaced by another.
- For alkyl halides, the halogen atom is replaced by a hydroxyl group (-OH) to form an alcohol.
Mechanism of the Reaction
- When an alkyl halide reacts with a nucleophile like hydroxide ion (OH-), the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom bonded to the halogen.
- The halogen leaves, and the hydroxyl group takes its place, resulting in the formation of ethyl alcohol (ethanol).
Example of the Reaction
- For instance, when bromoethane (C2H5Br) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH):
C2H5Br + NaOH → C2H5OH + NaBr
- Here, bromoethane is converted to ethanol.
Why Not Other Reaction Types?
- Addition Reaction: Involves adding atoms to a molecule without removing any atoms (not applicable here).
- Elimination Reaction: Involves the removal of elements from a molecule (not the case).
- Dehydrohalogenation Reaction: Specifically refers to the removal of a hydrogen and halogen to form alkenes, not alcohols.
Conclusion
The correct classification of the reaction that converts an alkyl halide to ethyl alcohol is indeed a substitution reaction, making option 'B' the right choice.