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General Science • ChemistryHard

In organic chemistry, which of the following reactions involves the conversion of an alkyl halide into an alcohol using aqueous sodium hydroxide, classified as a nucleophilic substitution bimolecular reaction?

A. Elimination reaction
B. Addition reaction
C. Substitution bimolecular reaction✓ Correct Answer
D. Free radical halogenation

💡 Solution & Explanation

The reaction of primary alkyl halides with aqueous sodium hydroxide to yield alcohols proceeds via a nucleophilic substitution bimolecular pathway, where the hydroxide ion attacks the carbon atom while the halide ion departs simultaneously in a single concerted step. Elimination reactions remove atoms to form alkenes, and addition reactions occur across unsaturated double bonds. Reaction mechanisms help chemists understand the pathway from reactants to products.

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