To prepare ethyl iodide from ethyl chloride, a student uses sodium iodide in acetone. Why is this specific solvent used for the exchange?
Q1. To prepare ethyl iodide from ethyl chloride, a student uses sodium iodide in acetone. Why is this specific solvent used for the exchange?
Answer: Sodium chloride precipitates in acetone
Explanation: NaCl is insoluble in acetone and precipitates, driving the equilibrium forward. Water is tempting but would react with and destroy Grignard-like intermediates.