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Molecularity and Rate
The SN2 reaction is bimolecular which means two species are present in the rate equation. Changing the concentration of either species changes the rate!
Wize Concept
SN2 Reactions: Substitution Nucleophilic Bimolecular (2)
Rate = k[substrate][nucleophile]
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Structural Requirements
SN2 reactions occur between a strong nucleophile (NaSEt) and an electrophile with little steric hinderance (Me-I). It is a direct substitution of the leaving group with the nucleophile, in a single step.
Wize Concept
A strong nucleophile is usually negatively charged - watch for sodium (Na) and potassium (K).
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SN2 Mechanism
The SN2 reaction happens in a single step via a crowded transition state.
Wize Concept
Recall: a transition state is something that is formed en route but cannot be spectroscopically observed!
Wize Concept
If you make a chiral product in the SN2 reaction, you will get a single product with inversion of configuration.
Rank the reactivity of the following substrates in the SN2 reaction.
