CUET UG Chemistry Booster Test -3 Chemical Reactions and Mechanisms
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QUESTION 1 OF 20
Match the substituted functional group with the reagent used in the substitution reaction of an alkyl halide:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| 1. Alkyl nitrite | a. NaOR' |
| 2. Nitroalkane | b. AgNO₂ |
| 3. Isonitrile | c. AgCN |
| 4. Ether | d. KNO₂ |
QUESTION 2 OF 20
In the competition between substitution and elimination for a secondary alkyl halide, which combination of factors dictates the dominant pathway?
QUESTION 3 OF 20
Why does the reaction of haloalkanes with KCN form predominantly alkyl cyanides, while AgCN forms mostly isocyanides?
QUESTION 4 OF 20
Which value corresponds to the bond length of the C-Br bond in bromomethane, establishing its relative leaving group ability?
QUESTION 5 OF 20
Arrange the following compounds in decreasing order of reactivity towards SN2 displacement:
(A) 1-Bromopentane
(B) 2-Bromo-2-methylbutane
(C) 2-Bromopentane
(D) Bromomethane
QUESTION 6 OF 20
When (-)-2-bromooctane is reacted with sodium hydroxide, (+)-octan-2-ol is formed. What does the change in the optical rotation sign from (-) to (+) signify in this context?
QUESTION 7 OF 20
Why do allylic and benzylic halides show exceptionally high reactivity towards SN1 reactions?
QUESTION 8 OF 20
Which statements correctly define the outcomes of an SN1 reaction on an optically active alkyl halide?
It proceeds with complete inversion of configuration.
It results in a mixture of products with the same and opposite configurations.
The intermediate formed is a planar, achiral carbocation.
The process is accompanied by racemisation.
QUESTION 9 OF 20
Identify the dominant reaction type when a primary alkyl halide is treated with a small, unhindered strong nucleophile like an OH⁻ ion.
QUESTION 10 OF 20
Arrange the following isomeric alkanes of molecular formula C₅H₁₂ in decreasing order of the number of monochloro structural isomers they yield on photochemical chlorination:
(A) Isopentane (2-methylbutane)
(B) n-Pentane (pentane)
(C) Neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane)
QUESTION 11 OF 20
If during a transformation, no bond to the stereocentre is broken, yet the sign of optical rotation changes from (+) to (-), this process strictly represents:
QUESTION 12 OF 20
Give the IUPAC name of the chiral molecule formed among the following examples.
QUESTION 13 OF 20
What fundamental structural property dictates that two enantiomers differ with respect to the rotation of plane polarised light?
QUESTION 14 OF 20
Why is a racemic modification optically inactive?
QUESTION 15 OF 20
What is the IUPAC name of the major alkene formed from the dehydrohalogenation of 2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-bromopentane?
QUESTION 16 OF 20
The formulation of Zaitsev's rule directly addresses which chemical phenomenon?
QUESTION 17 OF 20
In the preparation of Grignard reagents, which metal serves as the central electropositive atom bonding with the carbon of the alkyl group?
QUESTION 18 OF 20
In the Wurtz reaction, what dictates that the produced hydrocarbon contains double the number of carbon atoms?
QUESTION 19 OF 20
QUESTION 20 OF 20
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 Match the substituted functional group with the reagent used in the substitution reaction of an alkyl halide:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| 1. Alkyl nitrite | a. NaOR' |
| 2. Nitroalkane | b. AgNO₂ |
| 3. Isonitrile | c. AgCN |
| 4. Ether | d. KNO₂ |
�� KNO₂ forms alkyl nitrites. �� AgNO₂ forms nitroalkanes. �� AgCN forms isonitriles.
Alkyl halides react with ambident nucleophiles to give different products depending on the reagent. KNO₂ gives alkyl nitrites, AgNO₂ gives nitroalkanes, AgCN gives isonitriles, and sodium alkoxide NaOR' gives ethers.
- �� Option B → Interchanges alkyl nitrite and nitroalkane reagents.
- �� Option C → Incorrectly matches isonitrile with NaOR'.
- �� Option D → Incorrectly matches alkyl nitrite with NaOR'.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- �� Match each reagent with its known substitution product.
Final Logic:
- �� Correct matching is 1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-a.
- KNO₂ = Nitrite, AgNO₂ = Nitro.
2 In the competition between substitution and elimination for a secondary alkyl halide, which combination of factors dictates the dominant pathway?
�� Secondary halides can undergo substitution or elimination. �� Bulky bases favour elimination. �� Small nucleophiles can favour substitution.
For secondary alkyl halides, both substitution and elimination are possible. The dominant pathway depends on the strength and size of the nucleophile/base, solvent, temperature, and reaction conditions. Bulky strong bases usually favour elimination, while suitable small nucleophiles may favour substitution.
- �� Option A → Molecular mass alone cannot decide the pathway.
- �� Option C → Atmospheric pressure is not the key deciding factor.
- �� Option D → Dipole moment alone is insufficient.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- �� Remove options using extreme words like "exclusively" and "only."
Final Logic:
- �� Multiple reaction factors decide substitution vs elimination.
- Pathway depends on base, size, solvent, heat.
3 Why does the reaction of haloalkanes with KCN form predominantly alkyl cyanides, while AgCN forms mostly isocyanides?
�� KCN gives free CN⁻ ions. �� CN⁻ attacks mainly through carbon. �� AgCN is covalent and attacks through nitrogen.
KCN is ionic and provides cyanide ions. In cyanide ion, carbon attack is favoured because it forms a more stable C-C bond, producing alkyl cyanides. AgCN is more covalent, so carbon is less available and nitrogen donates the electron pair, forming isocyanides.
- �� Option A → KCN is ionic, not covalent.
- �� Option B → AgCN is covalent, not completely ionic.
- �� Option D → This is not the standard explanation.
Used
- Conceptual/Tonal Matching
Application:
- �� Use ionic/covalent nature of KCN and AgCN.
Final Logic:
- �� KCN gives cyanide; AgCN gives isocyanide.
- KCN = Cyanide, AgCN = Isonitrile.
4 Which value corresponds to the bond length of the C-Br bond in bromomethane, establishing its relative leaving group ability?
�� C-Br bond length is 193 pm. �� It is longer than C-Cl. �� It is shorter than C-I.
Carbon-halogen bond length increases down the halogen group due to increasing halogen size. The C-Br bond length in bromomethane is 193 pm. This longer bond compared to C-Cl makes bromide a better leaving group than chloride.
- �� Option A → C-F bond length.
- �� Option B → C-Cl bond length.
- �� Option D → C-I bond length.
Used
- Data Recall
Application:
- �� Recall standard C-X bond length values.
Final Logic:
- �� C-Br bond length is 193 pm.
- Br bond length = 193 pm.
5 Arrange the following compounds in decreasing order of reactivity towards SN2 displacement:
(A) 1-Bromopentane
(B) 2-Bromo-2-methylbutane
(C) 2-Bromopentane
(D) Bromomethane
�� SN2 favours least steric hindrance. �� Methyl halides are fastest. �� Tertiary halides are slowest.
SN2 reactions occur through backside attack. Therefore, steric hindrance strongly controls the reaction rate. The order of SN2 reactivity is: Methyl > Primary > Secondary > Tertiary So the decreasing order is: Bromomethane > 1-Bromopentane > 2-Bromopentane > 2-Bromo-2-methylbutane Therefore: (D), (A), (C), (B)
- �� Option A → Places tertiary halide too high.
- �� Option B → Places primary halide above methyl halide.
- �� Option D → Gives almost reverse order.
Used
- Steric Hindrance Analysis
Application:
- �� Compare crowding around the carbon bearing bromine.
Final Logic:
- �� Less crowded substrate reacts faster in SN2.
- SN2: Methyl > 1° > 2° > 3°.
6 When (-)-2-bromooctane is reacted with sodium hydroxide, (+)-octan-2-ol is formed. What does the change in the optical rotation sign from (-) to (+) signify in this context?
�� SN2 proceeds through backside attack. �� Configuration gets inverted. �� Optical rotation changes sign.
When hydroxide ion attacks (-)-2-bromooctane through an SN2 mechanism, it attacks from the side opposite to the leaving bromide ion. This causes inversion of configuration (Walden inversion). The observed change from (-) to (+) indicates formation of the opposite enantiomer.
- �� Option A → Racemisation produces a mixture of enantiomers.
- �� Option B → SN1 generally leads to racemisation.
- �� Option D → Retention would not indicate backside attack.
Used
- Mechanism-Based Analysis
Application:
- �� Connect SN2 with Walden inversion.
Final Logic:
- �� Backside attack causes inversion.
- SN2 = Backside Attack = Inversion.
7 Why do allylic and benzylic halides show exceptionally high reactivity towards SN1 reactions?
�� SN1 involves carbocation formation. �� Allylic and benzylic carbocations are resonance stabilized. �� Greater stability increases reaction rate.
The rate-determining step of an SN1 reaction is carbocation formation. Allylic and benzylic carbocations are highly stable because the positive charge is delocalized through resonance. This stabilization greatly increases the rate of SN1 reactions.
- �� Option A → Halogen size is not the main reason.
- �� Option B → Steric hindrance is not the key factor here.
- �� Option D → SN1 forms carbocations, not carbanions.
Used
- Carbocation Stability Analysis
Application:
- �� Identify the factor increasing SN1 rate.
Final Logic:
- �� Resonance stabilization promotes SN1.
- Resonance-stabilized carbocation = Fast SN1.
8 Which statements correctly define the outcomes of an SN1 reaction on an optically active alkyl halide?
It proceeds with complete inversion of configuration.
It results in a mixture of products with the same and opposite configurations.
The intermediate formed is a planar, achiral carbocation.
The process is accompanied by racemisation.
�� SN1 forms a planar carbocation. �� Attack occurs from both sides. �� Racemisation results.
In an SN1 reaction, the leaving group departs first, producing a planar carbocation. Since the carbocation is planar, the nucleophile can attack from either side. This produces both retention and inversion products, leading to racemisation.
- �� Statement 1 is incorrect because complete inversion is characteristic of SN2.
- �� Option A includes statement 1.
- �� Option B omits statement 2.
- �� Option D includes statement 1.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- �� Remove all options containing statement 1.
Final Logic:
- �� SN1 gives racemisation through planar carbocation.
- SN1 = Planar Carbocation = Racemisation.
9 Identify the dominant reaction type when a primary alkyl halide is treated with a small, unhindered strong nucleophile like an OH⁻ ion.
�� Primary halides have low steric hindrance. �� OH⁻ is a strong nucleophile. �� SN2 pathway is favoured.
A primary alkyl halide provides easy access to the carbon atom for backside attack. Since hydroxide ion is a strong, unhindered nucleophile, the reaction proceeds predominantly through the SN2 mechanism.
- �� Option A → Primary carbocations are unstable, so SN1 is unlikely.
- �� Option C → Electrophilic addition occurs in alkenes.
- �� Option D → Elimination is less favoured with small nucleophiles on primary halides.
Used
- Mechanism Selection
Application:
- �� Evaluate substrate type and nucleophile.
Final Logic:
- �� Primary halide + OH⁻ = SN2.
- Primary + Strong Nucleophile = SN2.
10 Arrange the following isomeric alkanes of molecular formula C₅H₁₂ in decreasing order of the number of monochloro structural isomers they yield on photochemical chlorination:
(A) Isopentane (2-methylbutane)
(B) n-Pentane (pentane)
(C) Neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane)
�� More distinct hydrogen environments give more products. �� Isopentane has the highest number. �� Neopentane has the lowest.
Photochemical chlorination can replace hydrogen atoms located in different chemical environments. Isopentane (2-methylbutane) gives 4 monochloro structural isomers. n-Pentane gives 3 monochloro structural isomers. Neopentane gives 1 monochloro structural isomer because all twelve hydrogens are equivalent. Therefore: (A) > (B) > (C)
- �� Option B → Reverse order.
- �� Option C → Places neopentane too high.
- �� Option D → Places n-pentane above isopentane.
Used
- Symmetry Analysis
Application:
- �� Count unique hydrogen environments.
Final Logic:
- �� More unique hydrogens give more monochloro products.
- More symmetry = Fewer chlorination products.
11 If during a transformation, no bond to the stereocentre is broken, yet the sign of optical rotation changes from (+) to (-), this process strictly represents:
�� No bond at the stereocentre is broken. �� Configuration remains unchanged. �� Optical rotation sign alone does not determine configuration.
Retention of configuration means the three-dimensional arrangement around the stereocentre remains unchanged throughout the reaction. The sign of optical rotation (+ or −) is an experimentally observed property and is not directly related to R/S configuration. Therefore, if no bond to the stereocentre is broken, the process represents retention of configuration.
- �� Option A → Inversion requires backside attack and change in configuration.
- �� Option C → Racemisation produces a mixture of enantiomers.
- �� Option D → Elimination does not describe stereochemical retention.
Used
- Conceptual Analysis
Application:
- �� Distinguish optical rotation from configuration.
Final Logic:
- �� Unchanged stereocentre means retention.
- Same arrangement = Retention.
12 Give the IUPAC name of the chiral molecule formed among the following examples.
�� Chiral carbon must have four different groups. �� 2-Bromopropanoic acid satisfies this condition. �� Other compounds are achiral.
In 2-bromopropanoic acid, the carbon attached to bromine is bonded to four different groups: H Br CH₃ COOH Therefore, it is a chiral molecule. The other compounds possess symmetry or identical substituents and are achiral.
- �� Option B → Carbon has two identical Cl atoms.
- �� Option C → Carbon has two identical CH₃ groups.
- �� Option D → All four substituents are identical.
Used
- Chiral Centre Identification
Application:
- �� Check for four different groups around carbon.
Final Logic:
- �� Only 2-bromopropanoic acid is chiral.
- Four different groups = Chiral carbon.
13 What fundamental structural property dictates that two enantiomers differ with respect to the rotation of plane polarised light?
�� Enantiomers are mirror images. �� They are non-superimposable. �� Lack of symmetry causes optical activity.
Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images that lack symmetry. This structural feature allows them to interact differently with plane-polarised light, causing rotation in opposite directions.
- �� Option A → Double bonds do not necessarily produce chirality.
- �� Option C → Van der Waals forces are not responsible.
- �� Option D → Enantiomers have identical molecular weights.
Used
- Definition Matching
Application:
- �� Recall the structural basis of optical activity.
Final Logic:
- �� Chirality arises from non-superimposable mirror images.
- No symmetry = Possible optical activity.
14 Why is a racemic modification optically inactive?
�� Racemic mixture contains equal enantiomers. �� Rotations are equal and opposite. �� Net rotation becomes zero.
A racemic mixture contains equal amounts of dextrorotatory and laevorotatory enantiomers. Since they rotate plane-polarised light by equal amounts in opposite directions, the overall rotation cancels out, making the mixture optically inactive.
- �� Option A → Continuous inversion does not occur.
- �� Option B → Molecules remain chiral individually.
- �� Option D → Bond cleavage is unrelated.
Used
- Conceptual Recall
Application:
- �� Apply the definition of racemic mixture.
Final Logic:
- �� Equal and opposite rotations cancel.
- Racemic = (+) + (−) = 0.
15 What is the IUPAC name of the major alkene formed from the dehydrohalogenation of 2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-bromopentane?
�� Elimination follows Zaitsev's rule. �� More substituted alkene is favoured. �� Option B represents the major product.
During dehydrohalogenation, bromine leaves from carbon-3 and hydrogen is removed from the adjacent β-carbon in accordance with Zaitsev's rule. The most substituted and therefore most stable alkene is formed as the major product. The correct IUPAC name is: 3,4,4-Trimethylpent-2-ene
- �� Option A → Incorrect numbering after alkene formation.
- �� Option C → Less substituted alkene.
- �� Option D → Not the preferred IUPAC representation.
Used
- Reaction Product Prediction
Application:
- �� Apply Zaitsev's rule and IUPAC nomenclature.
Final Logic:
- �� More substituted alkene is the major product.
- Zaitsev → Most substituted alkene.
16 The formulation of Zaitsev's rule directly addresses which chemical phenomenon?
�� Zaitsev's rule applies to elimination reactions. �� More substituted alkene is favored. �� It predicts the major elimination product.
Zaitsev's rule states that during β-elimination, the major product is generally the more substituted alkene because it is thermodynamically more stable. Thus, the rule explains the regioselectivity observed in elimination reactions.
- �� Option B → Describes SN2 stereochemistry.
- �� Option C → Describes SN1 stereochemistry.
- �� Option D → Related to electrophilic substitution, not elimination.
Used
- Concept Identification
Application:
- �� Recall the purpose of Zaitsev's rule.
Final Logic:
- �� Zaitsev predicts the major alkene formed.
- Zaitsev = More substituted alkene.
17 In the preparation of Grignard reagents, which metal serves as the central electropositive atom bonding with the carbon of the alkyl group?
�� Grignard reagents contain C–Mg bond. �� Magnesium is electropositive. �� General formula is R–Mg–X.
Grignard reagents are organomagnesium compounds prepared by reacting alkyl or aryl halides with magnesium metal in dry ether. The electropositive magnesium atom forms a polar bond with carbon. General formula: R–Mg–X
- �� Option A → Sodium is used in Wurtz reactions.
- �� Option B → Copper is not used in Grignard reagent formation.
- �� Option D → Potassium does not form standard Grignard reagents.
Used
- Formula Recall
Application:
- �� Recall the composition of Grignard reagents.
Final Logic:
- �� Grignard reagents contain magnesium.
- Grignard = Mg in the middle.
18 In the Wurtz reaction, what dictates that the produced hydrocarbon contains double the number of carbon atoms?
�� Two alkyl groups join together. �� Sodium promotes coupling. �� Carbon chain length doubles.
The Wurtz reaction involves coupling of two molecules of an alkyl halide in the presence of sodium metal and dry ether. General reaction: 2R–X + 2Na → R–R + 2NaX Since two alkyl groups combine, the product contains approximately double the number of carbon atoms.
- �� Option A → Ether acts as solvent only.
- �� Option C → No polymer breakdown occurs.
- �� Option D → Chain extension occurs through coupling, not spontaneous rearrangement.
Used
- Reaction Mechanism Recall
Application:
- �� Identify the source of additional carbon atoms.
Final Logic:
- �� Two alkyl halides combine into one larger hydrocarbon.
- Wurtz = Double the carbon chain.
19
�� Nucleophilic substitution proceeds through a carbanion intermediate. �� Meta nitro group cannot participate in resonance stabilization. �� Reactivity enhancement is absent.
The nitro group enhances nucleophilic substitution only when it can stabilize the negatively charged intermediate through resonance. At the meta position, no resonance structure places the negative charge on the carbon attached to the nitro group. Therefore, stabilization does not occur and reactivity is not significantly increased.
- �� Option A → Nitro group is electron-withdrawing, not electron-donating.
- �� Option C → Steric hindrance is not the main reason.
- �� Option D → No such mechanism occurs.
Used
- Passage-Based Analysis
Application:
- �� Apply resonance stabilization concepts.
Final Logic:
- �� Meta nitro group cannot stabilize the intermediate.
- Nitro activates only at ortho and para.
20
�� Chlorobenzene is resistant to nucleophilic substitution. �� Harsh conditions are required. �� NCERT specifies 623 K and 300 atm.
Due to resonance stabilization and partial double bond character of the C–Cl bond, chlorobenzene is much less reactive than haloalkanes. Therefore, conversion of chlorobenzene to phenol requires severe reaction conditions of approximately 623 K temperature and 300 atmospheres pressure.
- �� Option A → Conditions are too mild.
- �� Option B → Insufficient temperature and pressure.
- �� Option D → Not the NCERT conditions.
Used
- Data Recall
Application:
- �� Recall standard NCERT reaction conditions.
Final Logic:
- �� Chlorobenzene → Phenol requires 623 K and 300 atm.
- Chlorobenzene → Phenol = 623 K, 300 atm.
