SN2 bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (Rate = k[RX][Nu⁻]; concerted backside attack; Walden inversion at α-carbon)
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Rate = k[RX][Nu⁻]; concerted backside attack; Walden inversion at α-carbon
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| k | Rate constant |
| RX | Substrate (usually methyl/1°/2°) |
| Nu⁻ | Nucleophile |
When to use this
Polar aprotic solvents accelerate many SN2 reactions; strong nucleophile; low steric hindrance at α-carbon. Tertiary substrates are essentially SN2-inactive.