This reaction is a substitution reaction known as an SN1 reaction.
First Step:
2-bromo-2-methylpropane undergoes heterolysis in the presence of CH3CH2OH and forms a carbocation and a bromide ion.
(CH3)3CBr + CH3CH2OH → (CH3)3CO+ + Br-
Second Step:
Sodium ethoxide (NaOCH2CH3) reacts with the solvent CH3CH2OH to produce sodium ethoxide (NaOCH2CH3) and ethanol.
Na + OCH2CH3− + CH3CH2OH → NaOCH2CH3 + CH3CH2OH
Third Step:
The nucleophile ethoxide ion (OCH2CH3−) attacks the carbocation to form a new compound.
(CH3)3CO+ + OCH2CH3− → (CH3)3COCH2CH3
The final product is 2-methylpropan-2-ol (Tertiary butyl alcohol).
2-bromo-2-methylpropane+NaOCH2CH3+CH3CH2OH
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