SN1 and SN2 Reaction Factors

Nucleophilic substitution of alkyl halides can follow an SN1 or SN2 pathway. In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks as the leaving group leaves at the same time. In an SN1 reaction, the substrate first splits to form a carbocation, which is a positively charged intermediate.

The structure of...

Nucleophilic substitution reactions of alkyl halides can proceed via an S_N1 or an S_N2 mechanism with distinct stereochemical outcomes.

Factors like the structure of the substrate, the strength of the nucleophile, and the nature of the solvent promote one mechanism over the other.

In S_N2 reactions, t...