What is the nucleophilic site in the following compounds?
A)I = Hydrogen; II = π electrons in bond; III = nitrogen.
B)I = Oxygen; II = carbon; III = nitrogen.
C)I = Hydrogen; II = carbon; III = carbon.
D)I = Oxygen; II = π electrons in bond; III = nitrogen.

Question

What is the nucleophilic site in the following compounds? 
A)I = Hydrogen; II = π electrons in bond; III = nitrogen. 
B)I = Oxygen; II = carbon; III = nitrogen. 
C)I = Hydrogen; II = carbon; III = carbon. 
D)I = Oxygen; II = π electrons in bond; III = nitrogen.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In compound I, the only potential nucleophile is the hydrogen on the methyl group, but it is not a strong nucleophile. In compound II, the π electrons in the carbon-carbon double bond could potentially act as a nucleophile, but they are not likely to react due to the stability of the double bond. In compound III, the carbon attached to the nitrogen is not likely to act as a nucleophile due to the partial positive charge on the carbon, and the nitrogen itself is not a strong nucleophile.

In compound IV, the oxygen has a lone pair of electrons and is therefore a potential nucleophile. The π electrons in the carbon-carbon double bond also have the potential to act as a nucleophile. However, the oxygen is the stronger nucleophile due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and carbon. Therefore, the nucleophilic site in compound IV is the oxygen.

What Is the Nucleophilic Site in the Following Compounds