Enolates can act as a nucleophile in S n 2 type reactions. The alpha alkylation reaction involves an α hydrogen being replaced with an alkyl group. This reaction is one of the more important for enolates because a carbon-carbon bond is formed. These alkylations are affected by the same limitations as S n 2 reactions previously discussed. Good leaving groups like chloride, bromide, iodide, tosylate, should be used. Also, secondary and tertiary leaving groups should not be used because of poor reactivity and possible competition with elimination reactions. Lastly, it is important to use a strong base, such as LDA or sodium amide, for this reaction. Using a weaker base such as hydroxide or an alkoxide leaves the possibility of multiple alkylation’s occurring. Example \(\PageIndex{1}\) Mechanism Stpe 1: Enolate formation Step 2: S n 2 attack Example \(\PageIndex{2}\) Please write the structure of the product for the following reactions. Solution