Organic reactions: Substitution
Substitution reactions are fundamental in organic chemistry, demonstrating how molecules can be transformed into different structures. In a substitution reaction, one functional group in a compound is replaced by another, allowing chemists to modify the molecule’s properties and reactivity. These reactions are significant for synthesising primary haloalkanes and primary alcohols.
In substitution reactions a catalyst is often added to increase the reaction rate.
General reaction of substitution reactions
Substitution reactions involving alkanes
Production of haloalkanes
Alkanes can react with halogens in the presence of ultraviolet light to produce haloalkanes in a substitution reaction.
One limitation of this reaction is that it is difficult to predict which hydrogen in the molecule the reaction is occurring on if the chain is longer than two carbon atoms. A mixture of products will form.
Production of alcohols from haloalkanes
Haloalkanes can react with aqueous metal hydroxides to produce alcohols in a substitution reaction.
Production of amines from haloalkanes
Haloalkanes can react with ammonia to produce amines in a substitution reaction.
Check your understanding of substitution reactions below.
