Vinyl chloride undergoes

Options

A. only addition reactions
B. only elimination reactions
C. substitution reactions
D. both (a) and (b)

Explanation

To determine the types of reactions that vinyl chloride can undergo, we will analyze its structure and the nature of its bonds.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of Vinyl Chloride**:
Vinyl chloride has the chemical formula C2H3Cl, which can be represented structurally as:
\[ \text{CH}_2=CH-\text{Cl} \]
This structure features a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) and a chlorine atom attached to one of the carbon atoms.

**Hint**: Remember that the presence of a double bond indicates potential for addition reactions.

2. **Consider Addition Reactions**:
Vinyl chloride can undergo addition reactions due to the presence of the double bond. In an addition reaction, atoms or groups can add across the double bond. For example, if hydrogen gas (H2) is added, the double bond can react with H2 to form ethyl chloride (CH3CH2Cl):
\[ \text{CH}_2=CH-\text{Cl} + \text{H}_2 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3-\text{CH}_2-\text{Cl} \]
This shows that vinyl chloride can indeed undergo addition reactions.

**Hint**: Look for the presence of double bonds when considering addition reactions.

3. **Consider Elimination Reactions**:
Elimination reactions are also possible with vinyl chloride. In this case, a base can abstract a hydrogen atom from the carbon adjacent to the chlorine, leading to the formation of a triple bond. For example, if a strong base removes a hydrogen atom, the reaction can yield acetylene (C2H2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl):
\[ \text{CH}_2=CH-\text{Cl} \xrightarrow{\text{Base}} \text{C}\equiv\text{C} + \text{HCl} \]
This indicates that elimination reactions are feasible.

**Hint**: Elimination reactions often involve the removal of small molecules (like HCl) and the formation of multiple bonds.

4. **Consider Substitution Reactions**:
Substitution reactions are less likely to occur with vinyl chloride. In a substitution reaction, a nucleophile would need to attack the carbon atom bonded to chlorine, leading to the displacement of the chlorine atom. However, due to the presence of the double bond and the electron-rich nature of the vinyl group, the chlorine atom can participate in resonance, making substitution less favorable.

**Hint**: Substitution reactions typically require a good leaving group and a stable nucleophile; consider the stability of the intermediates formed.

5. **Conclusion**:
Vinyl chloride primarily undergoes addition and elimination reactions, but substitution reactions are not favored due to the resonance stabilization of the chlorine atom.

**Final Answer**: Vinyl chloride undergoes both addition and elimination reactions.