Problems and exercisesConcept of Leaving Group
1. Order the halides
Order from best to worst leaving group: I−, F−, Cl− and Br−.
2. HO− and H2O
Why is hydroxide a poor leaving group and water a good one? What does this mean for alcohols?
3. Sulfonates
Why are sulfonates, RSO3−, excellent leaving groups?
4. Which reacts faster?
Which will react faster with NaCN by SN2, CH3CH2Cl or CH3CH2I?