Question

Among the following the strongest nucleophile is

(a) C₂H₅SH

(b) CH₃COO^-

(c) CH₃NH₂

(d) NCCH₂^-

Answer 1

Correct option (a) C₂H₅SH

Explanation:

Nucleophiles are those substances which can donate a pair of electrons. These can be neutral or negative. The nucleophilic power depends on the tendency of species to donate electrons. This is more, when an electron releasing group (+I group) is present. Among the alkyl groups, those have higher number of C-atoms will release more electrons, hence ethyl > methyl.