Alkoxide ion, RO–

Definition

An alkoxide ion is the conjugate base of an alcohol, formed by the deprotonation of the hydroxyl group (OH) in an alcohol molecule, resulting in a negatively charged oxygen atom bonded to an alkyl group (R). It plays a crucial role in various organic reactions, especially as a strong nucleophile.

Related terms

Alcohol:

An organic compound containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom.

Nucleophile:

A chemical species that donates an electron pair to an electrophile to form a chemical bond in reaction.

Electrophile:

A reagent attracted to electrons that participates in a chemical reaction by accepting an electron pair in order to bond to a nucleophile.