Q.
In a nucleophilic substitution reaction :
which one of the following undergoes complete inversion of configuration ?
Solution:
In the compound of option B, bromine is attached to a primary carbon atom.
The substitution occurs via mechanism which involves the inversion of configuration.
In the remaining compounds the bromine is attached to a secondary or tertiary carbon atom. In case of secondary carbon atom (options A and C), the
substitution occurs via a combination of and mechanisms. Hence, complete inversion of configuration is not possible.
In case of tertiary carbon atom, (option D) the substitution occurs via mechanism which cannot result in complete inversion of configuration.
