Describe the mechanism of alcohols reacting both as nucleophiles and as electrophiles in their reactions.
Solution
Nucleophile — the oxygen lone pair attacks an electron-poor centre, as in esterification: R–\textbf{O}H adds to the protonated carboxyl carbon, then water leaves —
Electrophile — protonation converts the poor leaving group –OH into –OH; the α-carbon then becomes electrophilic and the nucleophile displaces water —
Electrophile — protonation converts the poor leaving group –OH into –OH; the α-carbon then becomes electrophilic and the nucleophile displaces water —
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2008 · Foreign · Subjective