Chemically, sodium ethoxide, NaOCH2CH3, can be thought of as
A) a weak base and weak nucleophile
B) a strong nucleophile and weak base
C) a strong nucleophile and strong base
D) a weak nucleophile and strong base
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
C) a strong nucleophile and strong base
Explanation:
Sodium ethoxide (NaOCH2CH3) is a strong nucleophile and a strong base, which can be explained by understanding its chemical structure and properties.
- Strong Nucleophile:
- Sodium ethoxide consists of an ethoxy group (-OCH2CH3) bonded to a sodium cation (Na+). The oxygen atom in the ethoxy group has a lone pair of electrons, making it a highly reactive species. This lone pair allows sodium ethoxide to act as a strong nucleophile, meaning it is capable of attacking electrophilic centers, such as carbon atoms in alkyl halides or other electrophilic molecules.
- The nucleophilicity of an atom depends on its electron density and availability of the lone pair for donation. In sodium ethoxide, the oxygen has a negative charge, which is more available for nucleophilic attack. Additionally, the ethoxy group is not very sterically hindered, further enhancing the nucleophilicity.
- Strong Base:
- Sodium ethoxide is also a strong base. The ethoxide ion (CH3CH2O-) is the conjugate base of ethanol (CH3CH2OH), which is a weak acid. Because ethanol has a relatively weak acidity, its conjugate base, ethoxide, is a strong base that can readily deprotonate other molecules.
- Ethoxide has a high affinity for protons, which allows it to efficiently abstract protons (hydrogen ions) from molecules, making it a strong base in reactions like elimination reactions (E2) or deprotonation of weak acids.
Conclusion:
Sodium ethoxide is both a strong nucleophile and a strong base. Its ability to donate electrons through its lone pair makes it highly nucleophilic, and its ability to deprotonate molecules places it among strong bases.
Now, let me generate a visual to explain sodium ethoxide!
Here is the molecular structure of sodium ethoxide (NaOCH2CH3), showing the ethoxy group (OCH2CH3) bonded to a sodium ion (Na+). The image emphasizes the strong nucleophilicity and basicity of sodium ethoxide through the lone pairs on the oxygen atom and the ionic nature of the sodium cation. Let me know if you’d like any further details!
