The SN2 reaction is a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution where a nucleophile attacks an electrophilic carbon, resulting in the inversion of stereochemistry. It proceeds through a concerted mechanism, requiring a strong nucleophile and a substrate with minimal steric hindrance for optimal reactivity.

SN2 Reaction

SN2 reaction

bimolecular nucleophilic substitution

A nucleophile is a chemical species that donates an electron pair to form a chemical bond in reaction. Nucleophiles are typically characterized by their electron-rich nature and their ability to form bonds with electrophiles, which are electron-deficient species.

nucleophile

electrophilic carbon

inversion of stereochemistry

A concerted mechanism in chemistry refers to a reaction where all bond-breaking and bond-forming processes occur simultaneously in a single step, without intermediates. This type of mechanism is characterized by a synchronous transition state, leading to a more straightforward energy profile and often involves pericyclic reactions.

concerted mechanism

strong nucleophile

A substrate is the underlying substance or layer that supports or is the surface on which an organism grows or is attached, or it is the substance on which an enzyme acts in biochemical reactions. Understanding substrates is crucial in fields such as biology, chemistry, and environmental science as they influence the behavior and interaction of organisms and reactions.

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