Question

The reaction on an alkyl halide with RCOOAg produces (a) ester (b) aldehyde (c) ether (d) ketone

Short answer

The correct answer is (a) ester.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Reactants and Products

When an alkyl halide reacts with a silver carboxylate (like RCOOAg), the silver carboxylate typically substitutes the halogen in the alkyl halide, forming an ester. This kind of reaction is a common method in organic chemistry for preparing esters from alkyl halides.

Considering Each Option

The given options are ester, aldehyde, ether, and ketone. To determine which product is formed, we consider the reaction where the alkyl group (R') of the alkyl halide (R'X) is bonded to the carboxylate group (RCOO-) resulting in an ester: RCOOR'.

Applying the Reaction Mechanism

In the typical mechanism, the halogen atom in the alkyl halide is replaced by the carboxylate (RCOO-) group. This substitution results in the formation of an ester, seen as RCOOR' where R' was originally part of the alkyl halide.

Confirming the Correct Answer

Based on the mechanism and typical product of the reaction, the formed product should be an ester. None of the other given options (aldehyde, ether, ketone) fits the direct substitution situation described by the reaction with a silver carboxylate.

Key concepts

Esterification

Esterification is a significant reaction in organic chemistry. It involves the formation of an ester from an alcohol and an acid. Typically, in the presence of an acid catalyst, a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol. Here, in this specific type of esterification, a different route is used where alkyl halides react with silver carboxylates.

The reaction begins when the silver carboxylate, represented as RCOOAg, replaces the halogen in the alkyl halide. This substitution gives rise to an ester, a compound that has a unique functional group with the form RCOOR'. Esters are known for their distinctive fragrances and are often found in perfumes and flavorings. They appear in various natural and synthetic substances. The understanding of esterification and the ability to predict when and how it occurs is essential for students studying organic chemistry. One crucial note is how remarkably selective and efficient this reaction can be, specifically prepared to convert alkyl halides into the desired esters.

Alkyl Halide Reactions

Alkyl halides are versatile compounds in organic chemistry due to their ability to undergo substitution and elimination reactions. These halogenated compounds contain carbon-halogen bonds, which make them reactive and valuable intermediates in synthetic transformations.

In the context of the presented reaction, alkyl halides react with silver carboxylate. The alkyl halide (R'X) undergoes substitution, where the halogen atom (X) is replaced by a carboxylate group (RCOO-). The outcome of such a reaction is the formation of an ester (RCOOR'). This type of reaction is not only crucial for producing esters but also displays the broader versatility of alkyl halide reactivity. Understanding alkyl halide reactions allows chemists to design pathways to complex molecules, making them fundamental tools in the synthesis of a wide array of organic compounds.

Silver Carboxylate

Silver carboxylates serve as essential reagents in organic chemistry. They are comprised of carboxylate ions (RCOO-) paired with silver ions (Ag+). The utility of silver carboxylates lies in their effectiveness in specific substitution reactions.

In the reaction with alkyl halides, silver carboxylates act as nucleophiles. They actively replace the halogen in alkyl halides during the ester substitution process. This function of silver carboxylates exemplifies their importance in synthesizing esters with high selectivity. The silver carboxylate's ability to facilitate such clean substitution reactions where the halogen is successfully replaced reveals their vital role in organic chemistry. With such selective interactions, they are a reassuring choice for chemists aiming to steer reactions toward specific ester formations efficiently.