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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution reactions in organic chemistry is false?
A
SN1 reactions are bimolecular and involve a concerted mechanism.
B
SN1 reactions involve a carbocation intermediate.
C
SN2 reactions proceed with inversion of configuration.
D
SN2 reactions are favored in polar aprotic solvents.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the two main types of nucleophilic substitution reactions: SN1 and SN2. SN1 reactions are unimolecular and involve a two-step mechanism, while SN2 reactions are bimolecular and involve a one-step, concerted mechanism.
Review the characteristics of SN1 reactions: They proceed through the formation of a carbocation intermediate, which means the reaction rate depends only on the concentration of the substrate, making it a unimolecular reaction.
Examine the characteristics of SN2 reactions: They involve a single transition state where the nucleophile attacks the substrate from the opposite side of the leaving group, leading to an inversion of configuration at the carbon center.
Consider the solvent effects: SN2 reactions are favored in polar aprotic solvents because these solvents do not solvate the nucleophile strongly, allowing it to remain reactive.
Identify the false statement: The statement 'SN1 reactions are bimolecular and involve a concerted mechanism' is incorrect because SN1 reactions are unimolecular and proceed through a stepwise mechanism involving a carbocation intermediate.