Halogenoalkanes and nucleophilic substitutionEdexcel International A Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Halogenoalkanes and nucleophilic substitution

1. A chemist is using the halogenoalkane CH₃CH₂CHBrCH₃ as the starting material in a multi-step synthesis in a research laboratory.
   Explain why the carbon atom in the C–Br bond of a halogenoalkane is attacked by nucleophiles.2 marks
2. In a teaching laboratory, 1-bromopropane is warmed with aqueous potassium hydroxide in a flask fitted with a condenser, and the mixture is heated for about 30 minutes.
   Explain why the mixture is heated under reflux rather than simply warmed in an open flask.2 marks
3. A student has a sample of 1-bromobutane and plans to convert it into two different organic products using two different reagents.
   The first reaction uses potassium cyanide. State the reagent and solvent, name the organic product, and explain why this reaction is useful in synthesis.3 marks