The reaction oftert-butyl bromide, (CH₃)₃CBr, with ethanol affords the substitution producttert-butyl ethyl ether, (CH₃)₃COCH₂CH₃, in acidic conditions. What would happen to the rate of the reaction if the concentration of ethanol was doubled?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction of tert-butyl bromide with ethanol to form tert-butyl ethyl ether under acidic conditions proceeds via a SN1 mechanism, where the rate of reaction is determined only by the concentration of the tert-butyl bromide (the substrate) and is independent of the concentration of the nucleophile (ethanol in this case). Therefore, doubling the concentration of ethanol does not affect the rate of the reaction.

The Reaction Oftert-Butyl Bromide, (CH3)3CBr, with Ethanol Affords the Substitution

The Reaction Oftert-Butyl Bromide, (CH₃)₃CBr, with Ethanol Affords the Substitution