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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction in organic chemistry?
A
E1 reaction
B
E2 reaction
C
SN1 reaction
D
Addition reaction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a nucleophilic substitution reaction: It involves the replacement of a leaving group by a nucleophile. The general form is: R-LG + Nu⁻ → R-Nu + LG⁻, where R is the organic molecule, LG is the leaving group, and Nu is the nucleophile.
Identify the characteristics of an SN1 reaction: It is a two-step nucleophilic substitution reaction where the rate-determining step involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate after the leaving group departs.
Compare the SN1 reaction with other types of reactions: E1 and E2 are elimination reactions, which involve the removal of a leaving group and a hydrogen atom to form a double bond, rather than substitution. An addition reaction involves adding atoms or groups to a double or triple bond.
Recognize that the SN1 reaction is a nucleophilic substitution reaction because it involves the substitution of a leaving group by a nucleophile, fitting the definition of nucleophilic substitution.
Conclude that among the given options, the SN1 reaction is the correct example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction, as it involves the replacement of a leaving group by a nucleophile in a stepwise manner.