The reaction of chloroform () with a strong base (such as or ) proceeds via an -elimination mechanism. What is the highly reactive intermediate generated in this process?

Question

The reaction of chloroform ($CHCl_3$) with a strong base (such as $NaOH$ or $KOH$) proceeds via an $\alpha$ -elimination mechanism. What is the highly reactive intermediate generated in this process?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. The base abstracts the acidic proton from chloroform to form , which rapidly loses a chloride ion () in an -elimination step to generate the neutral, electron-deficient electrophile, dichlorocarbene ().

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