Identify the best reagent for the reaction below.
A) I
B) II
C) III
D) IV

Question

Identify the best reagent for the reaction below.   
A) I 
B) II 
C) III 
D) IV

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reagent II (SOCl2) is the best choice as it converts the alcohol group in the starting material to a good leaving group (chloride). This allows for an Sn2 substitution reaction to take place with the nucleophile (NaI) to form the desired product. Reagent I (NaOH) is not suitable as it will deprotonate the alcohol group and form an alkoxide, which is not a good leaving group. Reagent III (H2SO4) and IV (Na2Cr2O7/H2SO4) are both oxidizing agents and will not lead to the desired substitution reaction.

Identify the Best Reagent for the Reaction Below