Preparation of Alkyl Halide from Alcohol

In summary, alkyl halides are commonly prepared from alcohols through a nucleophilic substitution reaction using a halogen and an acid catalyst. Any alcohol with a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom can be used, but different alcohols may require different reaction conditions. The reaction is reversible, so careful control is needed to prevent the alkyl halide from converting back into an alcohol. Alkyl halides have various uses in industries such as solvents, pharmaceuticals, and organic synthesis, as well as in refrigerants and propellants.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
469
0
Explain why the aqueous washing of your alkyl halide product from the reaction of t-butyl alcohol with concentrated HCL must be carried out quickly.


Washing the product with aqueous NaOH would get rid of any traces of acid left by neutralizing it, but I don't understand what time has to do with the washings. Can anyone explain this to me?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Probably to reduce co-precipitation.
 
  • #3
water can act as an acid or a base. If water is left to stand with your t-butyl chloride you can eliminate a small amount, get back your t-butanol and lose some product.
 

1. How is an alkyl halide prepared from an alcohol?

The most common method for preparing an alkyl halide from an alcohol is through a nucleophilic substitution reaction. This involves reacting the alcohol with a halogen, such as hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride, in the presence of an acid catalyst.

2. What is the purpose of using an acid catalyst in the preparation of alkyl halide?

The acid catalyst helps to protonate the alcohol, making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack by the halogen. This increases the rate of the reaction and allows for a higher yield of the desired product.

3. Can any alcohol be used in the preparation of alkyl halide?

Yes, any alcohol can be used as long as it has a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom that will be replaced by the halogen. However, the reactivity of different alcohols may vary, so some may require different reaction conditions or longer reaction times.

4. Is the reaction for preparing alkyl halide reversible?

Yes, the reaction is reversible. This means that the alkyl halide can be converted back into an alcohol under certain conditions. Therefore, it is important to carefully control the reaction conditions and remove any water formed during the reaction to prevent this from happening.

5. What are some common uses of alkyl halides?

Alkyl halides have many industrial and commercial uses. They are commonly used as solvents, as intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals and plastics, and as starting materials in organic synthesis. They can also be used as refrigerants and propellants.

Similar threads

What will be the product of this organic reaction?
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
4K
Calculating time to reduce alcohol in wine using heating method
    • Chemistry
4
Replies
131
Views
4K
Raising the pH of a Solution
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
How Does Le Chatelier's Principle Affect Reactions in Chlorine Water Systems?
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Alkyl Halide Mechanism: E1 vs. E2 in Acidic and Basic Conditions
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
Nedd help with Friedel Crafts alkylation
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
9K
Chemically regenerating my auto's catalytic converter?
    • Chemistry
Replies
16
Views
2K
Copper (II) salts and SO2: a question
    • Chemistry
Replies
3
Views
2K
Create Buffer: Sodium Citrate & Citric Acid
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Solving Chemistry Homework: Calcium Chloride, KMnO4, NaOH, HCl, KCIO3, NH4PO4
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top