Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
SN2 Reaction Mechanism
The SN2 (substitution nucleophilic bimolecular) mechanism involves a single concerted step where the nucleophile attacks the electrophile, leading to the displacement of a leaving group. This mechanism is characterized by a backside attack, which results in the inversion of configuration at the chiral center. In this case, the retention of configuration suggests that the reaction does not proceed via an SN2 pathway.
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Asymmetric Centers
An asymmetric center, or chiral center, is a carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, leading to non-superimposable mirror images known as enantiomers. The configuration of these centers is crucial in determining the stereochemistry of the product. Understanding how reactions affect these centers is essential for predicting the stereochemical outcome of organic reactions.
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Diazotization Reaction
Diazotization is a reaction where an amine is converted into a diazonium salt using nitrous acid (NaNO2 in HCl). This process is significant in organic synthesis as it allows for the introduction of various functional groups through subsequent reactions. In the context of the question, the mechanism of diazotization helps explain how the configuration at the asymmetric center is retained in the product.
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