Mechanism of Nucleophilic Substitution

CCA! Volume 5

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Mechanism of Nucleophilic Substitution - SN2

The mechanism of nucleophilic substitutions (S_N2) is demonstrated.


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Voiceover
In S_N2 reactions the nucleophile attacks the alkyl halide from the backside of (side opposite) the leaving group.

Discussion
In S_N2 (substitution nucleophilic second order) reactions the nucleophile attacks the alkyl halide from the side opposite the leaving group by a direct displacement leading to inversion of configuration. This reaction is very sensitive to steric hindrance and is fastest for primary halides. With tertiary halides, approach of the nucleophile from the backside is blocked.

Design, Text and Demonstrator:
	Gary Trammell	University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL 62794

Videographer/Editor:
	Steve Dykema	University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL 62794

Voice:
	Margaret Biddle	University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706

Audio Production:
	Greg Minix	University of Wisconsin - Madison, College of Engineering, Madison, WI 53706
	Jerrold J. Jacobsen	University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706