Which of the following statements accurately describe leaving group ability (nucleofugality)? — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Leaving groups depart with an electron pair. The more stable the resulting anion, the better the leaving group. Weak bases are stable anions. $I^-$ is a very weak base (conjugate of strong acid $HI$) making it an excellent leaving group. Strongly basic ions like $OH^-$ and $RO^-$ are very poor leaving groups unless protonated first.