NEET2016ChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Ethers like ROR can be cleaved by concentrated HI but not by HCl because
Options
- AI ⁻ is a weaker nucleophile than Cl ⁻
- BI ⁻ is stronger nucleophile than Cl ⁻
- CS_N 1 mechanism carried out in this reaction is rapidly in presence of HI
- DNone of the above
Correct answer
B. I ⁻ is stronger nucleophile than Cl ⁻
Step-by-step solution
The cleavage of ether (R O R) by a halogen hydracid is eventually a S_N 2 type displacement where halide ion (X⁻ ) acts as a nucleophile. Since, I ⁻ is a very strong nucleophile compared to Cl ⁻ , reaction easily occurs when HI is used and not by HCl .