What is the stereochemical outcome of an SN2 reaction?

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Retention of configuration
Inversion of configuration
Racemization
No stereochemical change

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Q: What is the stereochemical outcome of an SN2 reaction?

Solution: SN2 reactions result in inversion of configuration at the carbon center where the nucleophile attacks, leading to a stereochemical change.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Understand that an SN2 reaction involves a nucleophile attacking a carbon atom that is bonded to a leaving group.
Step 2: Recognize that the nucleophile approaches the carbon from the opposite side of the leaving group.
Step 3: Note that as the nucleophile bonds to the carbon, the leaving group departs.
Step 4: Realize that this process causes the arrangement of atoms around the carbon to flip, which is called inversion of configuration.
Step 5: Conclude that the final product has a different 3D shape compared to the starting material due to this inversion.

What is the stereochemical outcome of an SN2 reaction?

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