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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true regarding the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution reactions in organic chemistry?
A
SN2 reactions are characterized by the formation of a carbocation intermediate.
B
SN1 reactions occur with inversion of configuration at the chiral center.
C
SN2 reactions proceed through a three-step mechanism involving a carbocation intermediate.
D
SN1 reactions involve a two-step mechanism with a carbocation intermediate.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the two main types of nucleophilic substitution reactions: SN1 and SN2. SN1 reactions are unimolecular, while SN2 reactions are bimolecular.
SN1 reactions involve a two-step mechanism. The first step is the formation of a carbocation intermediate after the leaving group departs. This is a key characteristic of SN1 reactions.
In SN1 reactions, the carbocation intermediate allows for the possibility of rearrangements and racemization, leading to a mixture of products with retention and inversion of configuration.
SN2 reactions, on the other hand, proceed through a single concerted step where the nucleophile attacks the substrate as the leaving group departs. This results in inversion of configuration at the chiral center.
Review the statements given in the problem: SN2 reactions do not involve a carbocation intermediate, and they proceed with inversion of configuration. SN1 reactions involve a carbocation intermediate and can lead to racemization. Therefore, the correct statement is that SN1 reactions involve a two-step mechanism with a carbocation intermediate.