SN1 Mechanism Flashcards
What is an SN1 reaction?
These reactions are stepwise reactions that occur in two steps
It involves an intermediate and not all bonds are broken and formed at the same time
What is the rate equation for this reaction?
Rate= k[RX]
What does the kinetics suggest about the transition state?
The kinetics suggests that only the halogenoalkane is involved in the transition state of the rate determining step
What type of reaction is the rate determining step?
It is unimolecular as only one reactant molecule is involved in the transition state
Describe the process of an SN1 reaction
1) the CX bond breaks to form a carbocation and a halide ion
2) the nucleophile rapidly attacks the carbocation to form a new bond
Why does the rate of reaction not depend on the nucleophile?
This is because the first step is the rate determining step and the nucleophile is not involved in this step
Why is the stereochemistry of the product formed and why does this happen?
The nucleophile rapidly attacks the carboncation to form a new bond
As the carbocation is planar, the nucleophile can approach equally from above or below so it forms a racemate
Draw the reaction profile
Draw diagram
Why is there a slight preference for inversion?
When the CX bond breaks, the carbocation and X- are still attracted to each other and so do not separate immediately- form a right ion pair
This means the X- can block one side of the carbocation and so the nucleophile enters mostly from the opposite side to where the X is leaving (rear end attack)
