MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #273

A student adds a small amount of Sodium Hydroxide to facilitate the reaction between Ethanal and Ethanol. What is the role of the base catalyst?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #273

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student adds a small amount of Sodium Hydroxide to facilitate the reaction between Ethanal and Ethanol. What is the role of the base catalyst?

    • A) Increasing electrophilicity of Carbon
    • B) Protonating the Oxygen atom
    • C) Increasing nucleophilic power of reagent
    • D) Decreasing the bond energy of C=O

    Answer: Increasing nucleophilic power of reagent

    Explanation: Base catalysts increase the nucleophilic character of the reagent by removing a proton. Acid catalysts work by increasing the electrophilicity of the carbon.