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

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Organic Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the reaction mechanism of nucleophilic substitution in organic chemistry?

SN2 reactions proceed with the formation of a carbocation intermediate.

SN1 reactions involve a carbocation intermediate.

SN1 reactions occur with inversion of configuration at the chiral center.

SN2 reactions are typically slower than SN1 reactions.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the two main types of nucleophilic substitution reactions: SN1 and SN2. SN1 reactions are unimolecular, involving a two-step process, while SN2 reactions are bimolecular, involving a single concerted step.

Recognize that SN1 reactions proceed through the formation of a carbocation intermediate. This is a key characteristic of SN1 mechanisms, where the rate-determining step is the formation of the carbocation.

Note that SN2 reactions do not involve a carbocation intermediate. Instead, they proceed via a direct attack of the nucleophile on the substrate, leading to a concerted transition state.

Understand the stereochemical outcomes: SN1 reactions can lead to racemization due to the planar nature of the carbocation, allowing attack from either side, whereas SN2 reactions result in inversion of configuration due to the backside attack mechanism.

Consider the reaction rates: SN2 reactions are typically faster than SN1 reactions because they do not involve the formation of a carbocation intermediate, which is a slower process.