Chapter 7 Part 1: Understanding Sn1 and Sn2 Flashcards
What is an alkyl halide? vinyl halide? aryl halide?
alkyl - halide bonded to sp3 carbon
vinyl - halide bonded to c=c
aryl - halide bonded to benzene ring
What degree halide is RCH2-X? R2CH-X? R3C-X?
One R group - 1st degree
Two R groups - 2nd degree
Three R groups - 3rd degree
How does the size of the R group/ size of the halide effect boiling and melting points?
as the size of the R group increases, surface area increases and BP&MP increase.
as the size of X increases it becomes more polarizable, BP&MP increase.
What kind of reactions do alkyl halides undergo with nucleophiles?
Substitution. The X in C-X is replaced by the nucleophile.
What kind of reactions do alkyl halides undergo with bronstead lowery bases?
Elimination. The X from C-X and a Hydrogen from a beta carbon are removed and a pi bond is formed.
How many steps are in the Sn2 Mechanism
1
In the Sn2 mechanism is the alkyl halide in the rate eqation? is the nucleophile? How do their concentrations affect the rate?
Sn2 = One Step = All reactants in rate equation:
rate=k[alkyl halide][:Nu-]
Changing the concentration of either reactant has a mirroring effect on the rate.
What is meant by backside attack? how does this affect the stereochemistry of the product? Which mechanism does this apply to?
:Nu approaches from the side opposite of the halide. This results in an inversion of the product. Applies to all Sn2 reactions
What degree halides can undergo Sn2 reactions? Rank from slowest to fastest reaction.
Methyl Halides (CH3-X), 1st and 2nd degree alkyl halides.
Slow——>Fast
2nd 1st CH3-X
—————————————————————–>
^Both occur very fast^
What is steric hindrance?
A decrease in reaction speed because of bulky groups around the reaction site.
How does steric hindrance of the alkyl halide affect the Sn2 mechanism?
Bulky R groups make the backside attack by the :Nu more difficult. This decreases the speed of the reaction
Does the Sn2 mechanism use 1st or 2nd order kinetics?
2nd order kinetics
rate=k[RX][:Nu-]
Does the Sn1 mechanism use 1st or 2nd order kinetics?
1st order kinetics.
rate=k[RX]
What is the first step of the Sn1 mechanism? What does this produce?
Heterolysis (breaking) of the bond between C and X. Produces a carbocation.
C---/---X creates C(+) & X:(-)
What is a racemic mixture?
An equal mixture of two enantiomers produced by the Sn1 mechanism.