Difference between SN1 and SN2 reactions
Asked by Aaradhya Gupta · 2 years ago
Can someone explain the key differences between SN1 and SN2 reactions with examples?
1 Answer
SN1 Reaction:
1. Unimolecular: The rate-determining step involves only one molecule.
2. Formation of intermediate: Forms a carbocation intermediate.
3. Order: First-order kinetics.
4. Rearrangements: Carbocation rearrangements are possible.
5. Example: Tertiary butyl bromide reacting with water to form tertiary butyl alcohol.
SN2 Reaction:
1. Bimolecular: The rate-determining step involves two molecules.
2. Single step: Proceeds through a single transition state.
3. Order: Second-order kinetics.
4. Stereochemistry: Inversion of configuration at the carbon center.
5. Example: Methyl bromide reacting with hydroxide ion to form methanol.
1. Unimolecular: The rate-determining step involves only one molecule.
2. Formation of intermediate: Forms a carbocation intermediate.
3. Order: First-order kinetics.
4. Rearrangements: Carbocation rearrangements are possible.
5. Example: Tertiary butyl bromide reacting with water to form tertiary butyl alcohol.
SN2 Reaction:
1. Bimolecular: The rate-determining step involves two molecules.
2. Single step: Proceeds through a single transition state.
3. Order: Second-order kinetics.
4. Stereochemistry: Inversion of configuration at the carbon center.
5. Example: Methyl bromide reacting with hydroxide ion to form methanol.
NEET Faculty · 2 years ago
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