/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} 18-18-9P Why are HI and HBr more effectiv... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Why are HI and HBr more effective than HCl in cleaving ethers? (See Section 11-3).

Short Answer

Expert verified

The displacement depends upon how much better the nucleophile is. and are better nucleophiles than . Thus, the cleavage of ether proceeds better when there is HI or HBr than with HCl.

Step by step solution

01

Acid-induced cleavage of ether

In acid-induced cleavage of ether, ether is treated with strong acid.It generates oxonium ion, collapsing to form an alcohol and a tertiary carbocation which further forms an alkene.

02

Explanation for why HI and HBr are more effective than HCl in cleaving ethers

In acid-induced ether cleavage, HX protonates the oxygen atom of the ether, and halide then brings about a nucleophilic displacement. It forms alcohol and organic halide. The displacement depends upon how much better the nucleophile is. Since and are better nucleophiles than . Thus, the cleavage of ether proceeds better when there is HI or HBr than with HCl.

03

The mechanism of the acid-induced cleavage of ether

The general mechanism of the acid-induced cleavage is shown below,

The mechanism of the reaction

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.