Factors Affecting SN2 Reaction Mechanism
Factors affecting SN2 reactions are as follows:
- Strength of Nucleophile: A strong nucleophile is required for an SN2 reaction. The reaction is faster with a strong nucleophile.
- Stability of Leaving Group: The more stable the leaving group, the lower the transition state energy, leading to a faster reaction rate.
- Structure of Alkyl Halide: The reaction is faster with a less hindered alkyl halide. The SN2 transition state is very crowded, with five groups around the electrophilic center. If the three substituents in this transition state are small, there is slight steric repulsion, leading to a faster reaction.
- Type of Solvent: Using polar, aprotic solvents can increase the reaction rate. The rate of an SN2 reaction is significantly influenced by the solvent in which the reaction takes place. Using protic solvents decreases the power of the nucleophile through strong solvation, leading to a slower reaction.
SN2 Reaction Mechanism
SN2 also called Substitution Nucleophilic Bimolecular reaction mechanism is an essential process in organic chemistry. It involves a nucleophile attacking the central atom while a leaving group is simultaneously displaced. The “SN” in SN2 stands for “substitution nucleophilic,” and the “2” indicates that the rate-determining step is bimolecular.
In this article, we will look into the SN2 reaction mechanism, its examples, energy diagrams, applications, etc.
Table of Content
- What are SN2 Reactions?
- SN2 Reaction Mechanism
- Energy Diagram of SN2 Reaction Mechanism
- Factors Affecting SN2 Reaction Mechanism
- Properties of SN2 Reaction Mechanism
- Stereochemistry of SN2 Reactions
- Difference Between SN1 and SN2 Reaction Mechanism