Chapter 5: 5.2 The SN1 Reaction

Question 1

Describe:

SN1 Reaction

Answer 1

Unimolecular (one species is present in the rate equation)
* Changing the concentration of only that species changes the rate

Question 2

State:

A way to remember SN1 Reactions

Answer 2

Substitution Nucleophilic Unimolecular (1)

Question 3

State:

Rate equation for SN1 reactions

Answer 3

Rate = k [substrate]

Question 4

What is the structural requirement in an SN1 reaction?

Answer 4

Occurs between a weak nucelophile and an electrophile with lots of steric hinderance

Question 5

A weak nucleophile is usually…

Answer 5

Neutral

Question 6

A weak nucleophile is commonly a solvent in what process?

Answer 6

Solvolysis

Question 7

Describe:

SN1 reaction Mechanism

Answer 7

Happens in a two step process via a carbocation intermediate

Question 8

What is an intermediate?

Answer 8

• Something that is formed en route
• Can be spectroscopically observed

Question 9

What do carbocation rearrangements lead to?

Answer 9

Formation of a mixture of products

Question 10

What will you get if you make a chiral product in the SN1 reaction?

Answer 10

A racemic mixture

Question 11

What is a racemic mixture?

Answer 11

A 50/50 mixture of enantiomers