What happens when ethyl chloride is treated with aqueous KOH?

Explanation

When ethyl chloride (C2H5Cl) is treated with aqueous KOH, the following reaction occurs:

1. **Identify the Reactants**: We have ethyl chloride (C2H5Cl) and aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH).

2. **Nature of Reaction**: Aqueous KOH acts as a nucleophile due to the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) present in the solution. Ethyl chloride, being an alkyl halide, can undergo nucleophilic substitution.

3. **Mechanism of Reaction**: The hydroxide ion (OH⁻) attacks the carbon atom that is bonded to the chlorine atom (the alpha carbon). This is a typical nucleophilic substitution reaction (SN2 mechanism), where the nucleophile attacks from the back side, leading to the displacement of the leaving group (Cl⁻).

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