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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Give reason why the treatment of alkyl chlorides with aqueous KOH leads to the formation of alcohols but in the presence of alcoholic KOH, alkenes are major products.
ChemistryHaloalkanes and HaloarenesNEET
Options:
  • A Aqueous KOH provides a nucleophilic environment, favoring alcohol formation.
  • B Alkoxide ion present in alcoholic KOH, is not only a strong nucleophile but also a strong base so preferentially eliminate a molecule of HCl from alkyl halide to from alkenes. Hence, on treatment of alkyl chloride with aqueous KOH leads to the formation of alcohol but in the presence of alcoholic KOH, alkene is the major product.
  • C Aqueous KOH promotes the formation of alkenes due to its acidic nature.
  • D Alcoholic KOH enhances the formation of alcohols through radical reactions.
Solution:
2857 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: Alkoxide ion present in alcoholic KOH, is not only a strong nucleophile but also a strong base so preferentially eliminate a molecule of HCl from alkyl halide to from alkenes. Hence, on treatment of alkyl chloride with aqueous KOH leads to the formation of alcohol but in the presence of alcoholic KOH, alkene is the major product.
Correct Option is : (B)
Alkoxide ion present in alcoholic KOH, is not only a strong nucleophile but also a strong base so preferentially eliminate a molecule of HCl from alkyl halide to from alkenes. Hence, on treatment of alkyl chloride with aqueous KOH leads to the formation of alcohol but in the presence of alcoholic KOH, alkene is the major product.

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