How would you compare SN1 and SN2 reactions?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 10, 2018

Well, an #S_(N)1# mechanism defines a bond-breaking rate determining step....

Explanation:

#R_1R_2R_3R_4C stackrel"rds"rarrunderbrace(""^(+)CR_1R_2R_3)_"reactive carbocation intermediate" +""^(-)R_4#

The carbocation can react (rapidly) with whatever nucleophile that is available....

And an #S_(N)2# mechanism is characterized by a rate determining step that is bond-making. And this mechanism preserves (thru inversion) whatever stereochemistry that obtains at the site of reaction.

Given this outline, I would read your text in detail.

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