IIT JEE , AIEEE Forum - Articles Category , Community shelf

priyesh

SN2 mechanism

SN2 indicates a substitution, nucleophilic, bimolecular reaction, described by the expression rate = k [Nu][R-LG].
This implies that the rate determining step involves an interaction between these two species, the nucleophile and the organic substrate.

This pathway is a concerted process (single step) as shown by the following reaction coordinate diagrams, where there is simultaneous attack of the nucleophile and displacement of the leaving group.

The nucleophile attacks at the carbon with the partial positive charge as a result of the polar s bond to the electronegative atoms in the leaving group.
	Single step reactions have no intermediates and a single transition state (TS). In an SN2 there is simultaneous formation of the carbon-nucleophile bond and breaking of the carbon-leaving group bond, hence the reaction proceeds via a TS in which the central C is partially bonded to five groups.
General case		SN2 reaction

Let's look at how the various components of the reaction influence the reaction pathway:

R-
Reactivity order : CH₃- > CH₃CH₂- > (CH₃)₂CH- > (CH₃)₃C-

In an SN2 reaction, the transition state has 5 groups around the central C atom. As a consequence of the steric requirements at this center, less highly substituted systems (i.e. more smaller H groups) will favour an SN2 reaction by making it easier to achieve the transition state.

Notice how as the steric crowding increases around the electrophilic center that the rate of reaction with iodide decreases.

-LG
The C-LG bond is broken during the rate determining step so the rate does depend on the nature of the leaving group. However, if a leaving group is too good, then an SN1 reaction may result.

Nu
Since the nucleophile is involved in the rate determining step, the nature of the nucleophile is very important in an SN2 reaction. The more reactive the nucleophile, the more likely the reaction will be SN2 rather than SN1.

Stereochemistry
When the nucleophile attacks in an SN2 it is on the opposite side to the position of the leaving group. As a result, the reaction will proceed with an inversion of configuration. Walden inversion during the SN2 reaction

Walden inversion during the SN2 reaction

Solvent
Polar aprotic solvents can be used to enhance the reactivity of the nucleophile and help promote an SN2 reaction.

Summary
This pathway is most common for systems with poorer leaving groups, 1^o or 2^o substrates and stronger nucleophiles.
A typical example is the reaction of NaI with primary alkyl halides or tosylates.

Ask & Discuss Questions with Community & Experts