Arrange the following in the order of decreasing nucleophilicity:
H₂N^-,HO^-,HCOO^-,CH₃O^-

Question

Arrange the following in the order of decreasing nucleophilicity: H₂N^-,HO^-,HCOO^-,CH₃O^-

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nucleophilicity increases with the increase in electron density and availability of the lone pair of electrons. Among the given options, CH₃O^- has the highest nucleophilicity as it has a higher electron density due to the sulfur atom and oxygen atom. H₂N^- has the next highest nucleophilicity due to the presence of two sulfur atoms. HO^- has a lower nucleophilicity due to the presence of an oxygen atom with only one lone pair of electrons. HCOO^- has the lowest nucleophilicity as the carbonyl group decreases the electron density on the oxygen atom, making it less nucleophilic. Hence, the correct order of decreasing nucleophilicity is CH₃O^- > H₂N^- > HO^- > HCOO^-. Statement B is the correct choice.

Arrange the Following in the Order of Decreasing Nucleophilicity