Final answer:
C) Nucleophile
In the given reaction, sodium ethoxide likely acts as a nucleophile, participating in an elimination reaction to form the alkene 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction involving an unknown compound (C6H13Cl) treated with sodium ethoxide to produce 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene suggests that the role of sodium ethoxide is likely that of a nucleophile. Sodium ethoxide can donate a pair of electrons to form a new bond in a substitution or elimination reaction.
Given that the product is an alkene, it implies that an elimination reaction has occurred, where the sodium ethoxide has acted as a base, removing a proton from the adjacent carbon atom to the one bearing chlorine, thereby aiding in the formation of a double bond to yield 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene.