During the final critical nucleophilic cleavage step of the classic haloform reaction performed on a — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Following exhaustive alpha-halogenation, the hydroxide nucleophile safely attacks the active carbonyl carbon, forming a tetrahedral intermediate. This complex collapses by strictly and uniquely expelling a trihalomethyl carbanion ($-CX_3$). This specific carbanion is exceptionally stable due to the massive $-I$ (inductive) electron-withdrawing effects of the three bound halogens, allowing it to act as a viable leaving group.