Question

Of the following pairs, which one is the stronger base and stronger nucleophile ?
(a) (I) `MeO^(Ө)`, (II) `MeOH`
(b) (III) `overset (Ө) O H`, (IV) `overset (Ө) C N`
(c) (V) `H_2 O`, (VI) `overset (Ө) O H`
(d) (VII) `overset (Ө) NH_2`, (VIII) `NH_3`.

Answer 1

(a) (I) `MeO^(Ө)` is the stronger base and stronger nucleophile.
(b) Acidity : `HCN gt H_2 O`
Basicity and nucleophilicity : `overset (Ө) C N lt overset (Ө) O H`
Nucleophilic sites are different but belong to the same group of periodic table. Basicity and nucleophilicity are same.
(c) (VI) `(overset (Ө) O H)`.
(d) (VII) `(overset (Ө) N H_2)`.