Which of the following statements is true regarding nucleophilic substitution reactions?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
Which of the following statements is true regarding nucleophilic substitution reactions?
SN1 reactions are favored by tertiary substrates
SN2 reactions are favored by tertiary substrates
SN1 reactions require a strong nucleophile
SN2 reactions occur in two steps
SN1 reactions are favored by tertiary substrates due to the stability of the carbocation formed, while SN2 reactions are favored by primary substrates.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: Which of the following statements is true regarding nucleophilic substitution reactions?
Solution: SN1 reactions are favored by tertiary substrates due to the stability of the carbocation formed, while SN2 reactions are favored by primary substrates.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand what nucleophilic substitution reactions are. These are reactions where a nucleophile replaces a leaving group in a molecule.
Step 2: Learn about SN1 and SN2 reactions. SN1 is a two-step process that involves the formation of a carbocation, while SN2 is a one-step process where the nucleophile attacks the substrate directly.
Step 3: Identify the types of substrates involved. Tertiary substrates (three carbon groups attached) are more stable for SN1 reactions because they can better stabilize the carbocation formed.
Step 4: Recognize that primary substrates (one carbon group attached) are more favorable for SN2 reactions because they allow for a direct attack by the nucleophile without steric hindrance.
Step 5: Conclude that the statement is true: SN1 reactions are favored by tertiary substrates due to carbocation stability, while SN2 reactions are favored by primary substrates.
