Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

3. Acids and Bases

Organic Chemistry Reactions

Organic Chemistry

3. Acids and Bases

Organic Chemistry Reactions

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Multiple Choice

What is the major difference between an SN1 and an SN2 reaction in organic chemistry?

SN1 reactions are bimolecular, while SN2 reactions are unimolecular.

SN1 reactions occur with inversion of configuration, while SN2 reactions occur with racemization.

SN1 reactions involve a carbocation intermediate, while SN2 reactions proceed via a single concerted step.

SN1 reactions require a strong nucleophile, while SN2 reactions do not.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic mechanism of SN1 and SN2 reactions. SN1 reactions are characterized by a two-step process involving the formation of a carbocation intermediate, while SN2 reactions occur in a single concerted step where the nucleophile attacks the substrate as the leaving group departs.

Recognize the role of the carbocation intermediate in SN1 reactions. The formation of this intermediate is crucial as it allows for the possibility of rearrangements and affects the stereochemistry of the product, often leading to racemization.

Identify the stereochemical outcome of SN2 reactions. Since SN2 reactions involve a backside attack by the nucleophile, they typically result in inversion of configuration at the chiral center.

Consider the factors affecting the rate of SN1 and SN2 reactions. SN1 reactions are unimolecular in the rate-determining step, meaning the rate depends only on the concentration of the substrate. SN2 reactions are bimolecular, with the rate depending on both the substrate and the nucleophile.

Evaluate the nucleophile strength and solvent effects. SN2 reactions generally require a strong nucleophile and are favored in polar aprotic solvents, whereas SN1 reactions can proceed with weaker nucleophiles and are often favored in polar protic solvents.