Which of the following is a characteristic of an SN1 reaction?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following is a characteristic of an SN1 reaction?
Involves a concerted mechanism
Forms a carbocation intermediate
Requires a strong nucleophile
Occurs in a single step
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following is a characteristic of an SN1 reaction?
Step 1: Understand that SN1 stands for 'Substitution Nucleophilic Unimolecular'.
Step 2: Recognize that SN1 reactions occur in two main steps.
Step 3: In the first step, the leaving group (like a halide) departs from the substrate, creating a positively charged intermediate called a carbocation.
Step 4: In the second step, a nucleophile (a species that donates an electron pair) attacks the carbocation to form the final product.
Step 5: Remember that the formation of the carbocation is a key characteristic of SN1 reactions.