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Tutorial topics: Introduction Viewing Basics Molecular Shapes (VSEPR) Conformations Ethane Butane Cycloalkanes Substituted Cyclohexane Sterochemistry SN2 Reaction SN1 Reaction Aromaticity

SN2 Reaction Substitution, Nucleophilic, Bi-molecular Key feature: concerted; inversion of configuration at the carbon being attacked; the rate depends on both nucleophile and the substrate. The reaction is favored by less hindered substrate and by a strong nucleophile. The following animation illustrates the reaction between an alkyl chloride (green) and an iodide (purple) nucleophile. An animation for SN2 reaction The transition state for the above reaction is depicted below. Note that the carbon is connected to five atoms; the leaving group Cl (green) breaks away while the nucleophile I- (purple) attaches. The reaction is concerted, meaning that bond-forming and bond-breaking take place simultaneously.) Transition State for SN2 reaction