Question

multiple choice 2 points
which of the following factors is favorable for nucleophilicity but not basicity?
highly polarizable
sterically hindered
low electronegativity
negatively charged

Explanation:

Nucleophilicity is influenced by polarizability (ability to distort electron cloud for better nucleophilic attack). Basicity is about donating electrons to a proton. Highly polarizable species are good nucleophiles (due to electron - cloud distortion for attack) but not necessarily more basic (basicity is less affected by polarizability compared to factors like charge delocalization). Sterically hindered species are poor nucleophiles (hindered access to reaction site) and can be less basic (hindered approach to proton). Low electronegativity makes species more basic (less electron - holding, more likely to donate) and can also increase nucleophilicity. Negatively charged species are both more basic (more electron - rich to donate to proton) and more nucleophilic (more electron - rich for attack). So, highly polarizable is favorable for nucleophilicity but not for basicity.

Answer:

A. highly polarizable