How would these be classified: as strong/weak nucleophiles or strong/weak bases?

CH3SNa
NaI
CH2ONa
CH3Br
(CH3)3CONa
CH3OH

1 Answer
Mar 28, 2016

CH3SNastrong nucleophile, weak base
NaI strong nucleophile, weak base
CH2ONa strong nucleophile, strong base
CH3Br weak nucleophile, weak base
(CH3)3CONa weak nucleophile, weak base
CH3OH weak nucleophile, weak base

Explanation:

Use the basic classification method:
Nucleophilicity the measure how good a Nucleophile is governed by the following. The ability to give away an electron and bond:
1) Charge
2) Polarizability
3) Solvent (Protic v.s. Aprotic)
4) Steric Hindrance

Basicity is governed by the ability of an electron rich specie to donate it an electron and form a bond with a hydrogen atom

CH3SNastrong nucleophile, weak base
NaI strong nucleophile, weak base
CH2ONa strong nucleophile, strong base
CH3Br weak nucleophile, weak base
(CH3)3CONa weak nucleophile, weak base
CH3OH weak nucleophile, weak base