* Propylide ion: This is a carbanion, meaning it has a negative charge on a carbon atom. It's a strong nucleophile, seeking positive charges.
* 2-chloropropane: This is an alkyl halide with a good leaving group (chlorine). The carbon attached to the chlorine is slightly electrophilic.
The reaction:
The propylide ion attacks the carbon atom bearing the chlorine in 2-chloropropane. The chlorine leaves, and the propyl group from the propylide ion bonds to the carbon. This forms a six-carbon chain, which is hexane.
The reaction can be represented as:
CH₃CH₂CH₂⁻ + CH₃CHClCH₃ → CH₃CH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₃ + Cl⁻
Therefore, the product formed is hexane.
