Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction: Bromocyclopentane + Ethanol

What is the product formed in the reaction between bromocyclopentane, ethanol, and sodium hydride (NaH)?

A. Ethoxycyclopentane

B. Cyclopentene

C. 1-bromo-2-ethoxycyclopentane

D. 1-ethoxy-2-methylcyclopentane

Answer:

The correct product formed in the reaction between bromocyclopentane, ethanol, and sodium hydride (NaH) is ethoxycyclopentane.

In the reaction between bromocyclopentane, ethanol, and sodium hydride (NaH), the product formed is ethoxycyclopentane due to a nucleophilic substitution mechanism. Sodium hydride, being a strong base, abstracts a proton from ethanol to produce ethoxide ion. The ethoxide ion, a strong nucleophile, then attacks bromocyclopentane, leading to the substitution of the bromine atom with an ethoxy group.

This nucleophilic substitution reaction results in the formation of ethoxycyclopentane as the product. It is important to note the role of each component in the reaction, as well as the mechanism involved in the transformation of reactants into the final product.