What is the difference between Sn1 and Sn2 reactions?

Both Sn1 and Sn2 reactions are nucleophilic substitution reactions. Sn1 reactions proceed via 2 steps. An example of this is the substitution of a halogen group such as bromine with an OH- group forming an alcohol. In this case the bromine group would leave the molecule first then the OH- group would attack. This is like waiting for someone to get up of a chair before sitting down on that chair. An Sn2 reaction proceeds via 1 step. The OH- group attacks the molecule whilst the halogen is still attached and causes the halogen to he pushed off the molecule. Again this is like pushing someone off a chair whlist you sit down.

JS
Answered by Joseph S. Chemistry tutor

6254 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does the electronegativity of the halogen atom change as group 7 is descended?


Carbon dioxide is a gas at room temperature while silicon dioxide is a solid at room temperature with a melting point of 1770°C. Explain this by comparing their particles and those forces between these particles.


Why can endothermic reactions occur spontaneously if the entropy change is negative for a cooling process?


When using cm3 as the unit for volume to calculate the concentration why must you divide the cm3 by 1000?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences