SN2 Reactions of α-Halocarbonyls

α-Halocarbonyl compounds can undergo nucleophilic substitution by an SN2 pathway. In this reaction, a nucleophile replaces the halogen on the carbon next to the carbonyl group. This is the main route described for these compounds.

For α-haloketones, the reaction is usually carried out with less b...

α-halocarbonyl compounds undergo nucleophilic substitution at their α-position via an S_N2 pathway.

With α-halo ketones, the nucleophiles used must be less basic since strongly basic nucleophiles result in enolate formation.

On the contrary, α-halo acids react well with strongly basic nucleophiles via the S_N2 ...