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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Katy543 on October 09, 2007, 06:04:37 PM

Title: o chem reaction question
Post by: Katy543 on October 09, 2007, 06:04:37 PM

I am confused how 1-butanol + sodium amide yields to sodium butoxide and NH3.

I dont see how with that works out.  can anyone explain which electrons go where and how this whole thing works.  What bonds break/form.

Thanks

Title: Re: o chem reaction question
Post by: agrobert on October 09, 2007, 06:59:45 PM

What are the pKa values for the ammonium ion and 1-butanol?  This is a proton exchange between a weakly acidic alcohol and a strong base.