sn2 Flashcards
1
Q
why does the nuc attack the CX bond at 180*
A
for max overlap of the nucs homo and the CX lumo (antibonding orbital - bc this is the one we want to break)
2
Q
what does sn2 cause
A
inversion of stereocentre
dash-> wedge
wedge -> dash
axial -> equatorial
equatorial -> axial
3
Q
effect of subsituent size on sn2
A
larger substrate = slower reaction
nuc attack is sterically hindered by substrate
4
Q
how does a larger substituent affect the transition state
A
higher in energy due to steric interactions
less stable transition state
