Provide the alcohol that would be used to make the bromoalkanes shown using PBr₃. (a)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the bromoalkane structure given in the problem.
2. Recall that PBr₃ is used to convert alcohols to bromoalkanes by substituting the hydroxyl group (-OH) with a bromine atom.
3. Determine the position of the bromine atom in the bromoalkane structure.
4. Replace the bromine atom in the bromoalkane with a hydroxyl group to identify the corresponding alcohol.
5. Verify the structure of the alcohol to ensure it matches the original bromoalkane when reacted with PBr₃.

Key Concepts

PBr₃ Reactivity

Phosphorus tribromide (PBr₃) is a reagent commonly used in organic chemistry to convert alcohols into bromoalkanes. It reacts with alcohols through a nucleophilic substitution mechanism, where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is replaced by a bromine atom. Understanding this reaction is crucial for determining which alcohol can be transformed into the desired bromoalkane.

Nucleophilic Substitution Mechanism

Nucleophilic substitution is a fundamental reaction mechanism in organic chemistry where a nucleophile replaces a leaving group in a molecule. In the case of alcohols reacting with PBr₃, the hydroxyl group acts as the leaving group, and the bromide ion from PBr₃ serves as the nucleophile. Familiarity with this mechanism helps in predicting the products of the reaction.

Structure of Alcohols

The structure of alcohols, characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom, is essential for understanding their reactivity. The specific alcohol used will influence the structure of the resulting bromoalkane. Recognizing the relationship between the alcohol's structure and the desired bromoalkane is key to solving the question effectively.