What type of reaction involves the replacement of a functional group in a compound?

Study for the NCEA Level 2 Organic Chemistry Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and thorough explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What type of reaction involves the replacement of a functional group in a compound?

Explanation:
The type of reaction that involves the replacement of a functional group in a compound is a substitution reaction. In a substitution reaction, one functional group is replaced by another, resulting in a new compound with different properties. This process typically occurs when a reactant, often a nucleophile, replaces a leaving group in a molecule, allowing the overall structure to change while maintaining the core framework of the compound. For instance, in the case of alkanes, a halogen might substitute for a hydrogen atom, forming a haloalkane. This is integral in organic chemistry reactions where one functional group can change the reactivity and characteristics of a molecule. Thus, the ability to manipulate and substitute functional groups is a key concept in organic synthesis and design.

The type of reaction that involves the replacement of a functional group in a compound is a substitution reaction. In a substitution reaction, one functional group is replaced by another, resulting in a new compound with different properties. This process typically occurs when a reactant, often a nucleophile, replaces a leaving group in a molecule, allowing the overall structure to change while maintaining the core framework of the compound.

For instance, in the case of alkanes, a halogen might substitute for a hydrogen atom, forming a haloalkane. This is integral in organic chemistry reactions where one functional group can change the reactivity and characteristics of a molecule. Thus, the ability to manipulate and substitute functional groups is a key concept in organic synthesis and design.

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