Question

Draw the products of the following reaction: 3-bromo-3-ethylpentane reacting with

H₂O.
a. 3-Ethylpentanol
b. 3-Bromo-3-ethylpentanol
c. 3-Ethyl-3-pentanol
d. Pentane

Answer 1

The product of the reaction between 3-bromo-3-ethylpentane and H₂O is 3-Ethyl-3-pentanol (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction of 3-bromo-3-ethylpentane with H₂O involves nucleophilic substitution, specifically an SN1 mechanism. In this process, the bromine atom is replaced by a hydroxyl group (OH⁻) from the water molecule. The resulting product is 3-Ethyl-3-pentanol, where the hydroxyl group is attached to the carbon bearing the bromine. This compound is represented as follows:

`\[ \text{CH}_3-\underset{\text{Ethyl Group}}{\underline{\mathrm{CH_2CH_3}}}-\underset{\text{Hydroxyl Group}}{\underline{\mathrm{CHOHCH_2}}} -CH_2-CH_3 \]`

This structure signifies the replacement of the bromine atom with a hydroxyl group, leading to the formation of 3-Ethyl-3-pentanol.

Understanding the reaction mechanism is essential in predicting the correct product. In this case, the SN1 mechanism involves a two-step process where the bromine is first detached, forming a carbocation, followed by the nucleophilic attack of water to create the final product. The result, 3-Ethyl-3-pentanol, aligns with the principles of nucleophilic substitution reactions.