Sn2 Reaction Lab Report

SN2 reactions are described as bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reactions that occur in one concerted step without the formation of a carbocation intermediate. These reactions are performed most effectively in polar aprotic solvents such as acetone. The steric hindrance presented in the substrate is considered the most important factor due to the fact that the more steric hindrance there is around the halide, the harder it is for it to leave. The collected data for the SN2 reactions support this logic by showing that primary halides on substrates 4, 6, and 7 occurred within the first 5 minutes of the reaction. Substrates 6 and 7 were acted on immediately because 6 is allylic and 7 is benzylic, which creates an over lap of the pi bonds

They are best performed in polar protic solvents such as ethanol, which allows for further stabilization of the carbocation. Steric hindrance has the opposite effect on SN1 reactions than SN2 reactions; the steric hindrance carbon chain helps stabilize the carbocation and results in a high inductive effect. This is in terms of the attraction of the nucleophile for the carbocation. The stabilization of the carbocation is exemplified by substrate 5 which reacted immediately in the presence of ethanolic silver nitrate solution. Although substrates 6 and 7 are primary halides, the allylic and benzylic nature allows the pi bonds to create a more stable environment for the surrounding carbocation allowing for a faster reaction. Substrate 1 and 2 both formed turbidity, although substrate 2 reacted faster because it is a better leaving group due to its increased size. Substrate 8 occurred immediately although it is only a secondary bromine due to bromine being such a good leaving group as well as because the silver acts as a great catalyst. Substrate 3 did not react due to the lack stability in terms of surrounding steric