Answer:
however, explain the detailed mechanism of the reaction between methanol (MeOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
The mechanism for this reaction is a nucleophilic substitution, specifically an S_N2 reaction. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the reaction:
1. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissociates into Na+ and OH- ions in an aqueous solution.
2. The hydroxide ion (OH-) acts as a strong nucleophile and attacks the central carbon of the MeOH molecule.
3. The oxygen of the hydroxide ion forms a bond with the central carbon of MeOH, while the bond between the carbon and the -OH group in MeOH breaks.
4. This results in the formation of methoxide ion (CH3O-) and water (H2O), with Na+ balancing the charge on the methoxide ion.