Fill in the squares in the following chemical equations:
a.
b.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Analyze the first reaction. The product contains an ether functional group (-OCH3). This suggests that the reaction involves a nucleophilic substitution mechanism, where the bromine atom (Br) in the alkyl bromide is replaced by a methoxy group (-OCH3). The square in the first reaction likely represents the nucleophile, CH3O− (methoxide ion).
2. Step 2: For the first reaction, the mechanism is likely an SN2 reaction because the alkyl bromide is a primary alkyl halide. In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the carbon attached to the leaving group (Br) in a single step, displacing the bromine atom.
3. Step 3: Analyze the second reaction. The product contains a chiral center with the methoxy group (-OCH3) attached. This suggests that the reaction involves the addition of CH3O− to a compound with a leaving group, likely a secondary alkyl halide. The square in the second reaction likely represents the secondary alkyl halide.
4. Step 4: For the second reaction, the mechanism could be either SN2 or SN1, depending on the conditions. However, the stereochemistry of the product suggests that the reaction proceeds via an SN2 mechanism, where the nucleophile attacks the carbon attached to the leaving group in a single step, leading to inversion of configuration.
5. Step 5: To summarize, the square in the first reaction represents CH3O− (methoxide ion), and the square in the second reaction represents a secondary alkyl halide, such as 2-bromobutane. These reactants undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions to form the respective ether products.

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential in organic chemistry as it ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This reflects the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Understanding how to balance equations involves adjusting coefficients to achieve this balance while keeping the correct stoichiometric ratios.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In organic chemistry, recognizing functional groups is crucial for predicting the behavior of compounds during reactions. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), and amine (-NH2), each imparting distinct properties and reactivity to the organic molecules they are part of.

Reaction Mechanisms

Reaction mechanisms describe the step-by-step process by which reactants transform into products in a chemical reaction. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for predicting the outcome of reactions and for designing new synthetic pathways in organic chemistry. Key concepts include nucleophiles, electrophiles, and intermediates, which help explain how bonds are formed and broken during the reaction.