SN2 REACTION Meaning and
Definition
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An SN2 reaction, also known as a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction, is a type of chemical reaction in organic chemistry. It involves the substitution of one nucleophile by another nucleophile at a carbon atom in an organic molecule. The term "SN2" stands for "substitution nucleophilic, bimolecular".
In an SN2 reaction, the reaction occurs in a single step with the simultaneous interaction of two molecules: the nucleophile and the organic substrate. The nucleophile, which is an electron-rich species, attacks the carbon atom which is attached to a leaving group. As the nucleophile attacks, the leaving group (often a halide or a tosylate) is displaced. This results in the formation of a new bond between the nucleophile and the carbon atom, while the leaving group departs with its pair of bonding electrons.
The SN2 reaction mechanism is characterized by a backside attack, where the nucleophile approaches the carbon atom from the side opposite to the departing leaving group. This mechanism has a strong stereochemical preference, as it leads to inversion of the stereogenic center present in the starting material. Thus, an SN2 reaction often results in the inversion of the configuration at the carbon atom.
SN2 reactions are typically favored by aprotic solvents, such as acetone or dimethyl sulfoxide, and are commonly observed in primary and secondary carbon atoms that are not sterically hindered. However, SN2 reactions can be hindered by a bulky substrate or a large leaving group, resulting in a slower reaction rate.
Common Misspellings for SN2 REACTION
- an2 reaction
- zn2 reaction
- xn2 reaction
- dn2 reaction
- en2 reaction
- wn2 reaction
- sb2 reaction
- sm2 reaction
- sj2 reaction
- sh2 reaction
- snw reaction
- sn2 eeaction
- sn2 deaction
- sn2 feaction
- sn2 teaction
- sn2 5eaction
- sn2 4eaction
- sn2 rwaction
- sn2 rsaction
- sn2 rdaction
Etymology of SN2 REACTION
The etymology of the term "SN2 reaction" comes from a combination of its components. "SN" stands for nucleophilic substitution, which is the type of chemical reaction involved. "2" refers to the bimolecular nature of the reaction, meaning that the rate-determining step involves the collision of two molecules. Overall, "SN2 reaction" describes a specific type of substitution reaction where a nucleophile exchanges with a leaving group in a single step, involving the simultaneous collision of the nucleophile and the substrate molecule.
