what is alcoholic KOH and how does it lead to the formation of RO- in solution
Dear Student,
Alcoholic solution of KOH : It is the solution of potassium hydroxide which is made by dissolving KOH in alcohol i.e., solvent is alcohol.
An alcoholic solution of KOH contains alkoxide (RO − ) ion, which is a strong base. Thus, it can abstract a hydrogen from the β-carbon of the alkyl chloride and form an alkene by eliminating a molecule of HCl.
Alcoholic solution of KOH : It is the solution of potassium hydroxide which is made by dissolving KOH in alcohol i.e., solvent is alcohol.
An alcoholic solution of KOH contains alkoxide (RO − ) ion, which is a strong base. Thus, it can abstract a hydrogen from the β-carbon of the alkyl chloride and form an alkene by eliminating a molecule of HCl.
CH 3 CH 2 Br + KOH (alc.) → H 2 C=CH 2 + KBr + H 2 O
OH − ion is a much weaker base than RO − ion. Also, OH − ion is highly solvated in an aqueous solution and as a result, the basic character of OH − ion decreases. Therefore, it cannot abstract a hydrogen from the β-carbon.
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