Question

Addition of $KI$ accelerates the hydrolysis of primary alkyl halides because :

• A. $KI$ is soluble in organic solvents
• B. the iodide ion is a weak base and a poor leaving group
• C. the iodide ion is a strong base
• D. the iodide ion is a powerful nucleophile as well as a good leaving group

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

the iodide ion is a powerful nucleophile as well as a good leaving group

KI actually performs attack on C-atom of alkyl halide and helps to eject nucleophile. Iodide ion attacks the alkyl halide to form alkyl halide by $S_{N}2$ mechanism, as $I^{-}$ is a powerful nucleophile as well as good leaving group. Thus KI enhance the hydrolysis reaction.