The SN2 reaction involves back-side attack and therefore results in a "Walden Inversion." For which one of the substrates shown would you be able to demonstrate that such back-side attack with "Walden Inversion" has in fact occurred?

Question

The SN2 reaction involves back-side attack and therefore results in a "Walden Inversion." For which one of the substrates shown would you be able to demonstrate that such back-side attack with "Walden Inversion" has in fact occurred? (A) 1-bromopropane (B) 2-bromobutane (C) 3-bromopentane (D) Methyl bromide

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

For SN2 reaction: 1. It is single step reaction. 2. In this reaction nucleophile attacks from the back side of the leaving group. If chiral carbon is present then it will change its configuration. So, to observe inversion, the substitution must occur at a chiral centre.

Q. The S_N2 reaction involves back-side attack and therefore results in a "Walden Inversion." For which one of the substrates shown would you be able to demonstrate that such back-side attack with "Walden Inversion" has in fact occurred?

1-bromopropane

2-bromobutane

3-bromopentane

Methyl bromide

For $S N^{2}$ reaction:
1. It is single step reaction.
2. In this reaction nucleophile attacks from the back side of the leaving group. If chiral carbon is present then it will change its configuration.
So, to observe inversion, the substitution must occur at a chiral centre.

Q. The SN2 reaction involves back-side attack and therefore results in a "Walden Inversion." For which one of the substrates shown would you be able to demonstrate that such back-side attack with "Walden Inversion" has in fact occurred?