Chapter 5.13, Problem 16P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The potential energy diagram for the reaction of $\text{1-heptanol}$ with hydrogen bromide showing structures of all intermediates and transitions states is to be sketched.

Concept introduction:

The reaction between $\text{1-heptanol}$ and hydrogen bromide follows a modified ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{1}$ mechanism.

The poor leaving group $-\text{OH}$ is converted into a good leaving group ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ by protonation under the strongly acidic conditions and can be displaced by the nucleophile, bromide ion.