# 2-bromopropane can react with potassium hydroxide dissolved in ethanol to produce propene. Explain why this reaction produces an alkene rather than an alcohol, and describe the type of reaction taking place.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 2.6 Halogenoalkanes · Explain · 5 marks

> Halogenoalkanes can undergo different reactions depending on the conditions used. When potassium hydroxide is dissolved in ethanol rather than water, the product formed is different.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Identifies the reaction as elimination
2. States that the hydroxide ion acts as a base (not a nucleophile) in this reaction
3. States that a hydrogen atom is removed from a carbon adjacent to the carbon bonded to bromine
4. States that the bromine (or bromide ion / HBr) is also removed / lost
5. Explains that a C=C double bond forms between the two carbons, producing an alkene

## Key terms

- [alkene](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkene)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/2-bromopropane-can-react-with-potassium-hydroxide-6c7bd1a0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.