Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)

by Wade Jr., L. G.

Published by Pearson

ISBN 10: 0321768418

ISBN 13: 978-0-32176-841-4

Chapter 6 - Alkyl Halides: Nucleophilic Substitution and Elimination - Problems - Page 239: Problem 6-16 c

Answer

$PH_3$ acts as a better nucleophile

Work Step by Step

In $PH_3$ and $NH_3$, $P$ is larger than $N$, so it is more polarizable. Hence, $PH_3$ acts as a better nucleophile in the $S_N2$ reaction.

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