AQA AS Level Chemistry Organic Reaction Summary

Nucleophilic Substitution
Nucleophilic Substitution with CN- (Haloalkane → Nitrile)




Heat under reflux with an ethanolic solution of sodium cyanide / potassium cyanide.

• Can be hydrolysed to produce a carboxylic acid by heating under reflux with a strong acid.


Nucleophilic Substitution with OH- (Haloalkane → Alcohol)




Heat under reflux with warm, dilute, aqueous sodium hydroxide / potassium hydroxide.


Nucleophilic Substitution with NH3 (Haloalkane → Nitrile)

Step 1: Ammonia acts as a nucleophile and substitutes for the halogen.




Step 2: Ammonia acts as a base (a proton donator), removing a proton from the intermediate.




Heat in a sealed tube with excess ammonia dissolved in ethanol (i.e. ethanolic ammonia).