Nucleophilic substitution is a fundamental class of reactions in organic chemistry where a nucleophile replaces a leaving group in a molecule, typically occurring at a saturated carbon atom. The reaction mechanism can be classified as either SN1, which involves a two-step process with a carbocation intermediate, or SN2, which is a one-step bimolecular process involving a concerted transition state.

Nucleophilic Substitution

Nucleophilic substitution

reactions in organic chemistry

nucleophile replaces a leaving group

saturated carbon atom

A reaction mechanism is a step-by-step description of the pathway from reactants to products, detailing the sequence of elementary reactions and the molecular changes involved. Understanding the mechanism provides insights into reaction rates, intermediates, and the influence of various conditions on the reaction pathway.

reaction mechanism

two-step process

A carbocation intermediate is a positively charged carbon species that is highly reactive and plays a crucial role in many organic reactions, such as electrophilic addition and rearrangements. Its stability is influenced by factors like hyperconjugation and resonance, and it can dictate the pathway and rate of a reaction.

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