Chapter 9, Problem 9.24P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The arrangement of the given four alkyl halides in descending order with respect to the $\text{E2}$ elimination to ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ substitution product ratio in their reaction with ethoxide in ethyl alcohol is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

Alkyl halides undergo elimination reaction in the presence of a base to form alkenes. The mechanism of the reaction followed depends on the base used during the reaction. The $\text{E2}$ elimination reactions are carried out in the presence of strong bases. The most substituted alkene is formed as the major product according to Zaitsev’s rule.

The nucleophilic substitution reactions are the reactions in which one nucleophile attacks the electrophilic centre and eliminates another group in the compound. The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ reaction is a nucleophilic substitution bimolecular single step reaction in which the addition of nucleophile and removal of leaving group takes place simultaneously.