i am having trouble with the following question....
How would you expect the following series of compounds to compare in behavior in the two tests(Sn1 vs. Sn2):
1) CH3=CHCH2BR)
2) CH3C=CHCH3
!
Br
3) CH3CH2CH2Br
I AM CONFUSED AT HOW THESE COMPOUNDS WILL COMPARE IN Sn1 AND Sn2?
To determine how these compounds will behave in Sn1 and Sn2 reactions, we need to understand the characteristics of each reaction and the factors that influence them.
SN1 reactions involve a two-step process: the formation of a carbocation intermediate followed by the nucleophilic attack. These reactions occur in a two-step mechanism with an intermediate carbocation forming before the nucleophilic attack.
SN2 reactions, on the other hand, follow a one-step process. They occur in a concerted mechanism where the nucleophile directly displaces the leaving group.
Now let's analyze the compounds you provided:
1) CH3=CHCH2Br
This compound has a beta hydrogen (a hydrogen attached to the carbon adjacent to the leaving group). In SN2 reactions, a good nucleophile would preferentially attack the carbon center where the nucleophile has easy access. Since this compound has a primary carbon adjacent to the leaving group, it is more likely to undergo SN2 reaction rather than SN1.
2) CH3C=CHCH3
This compound has a methyl group attached to the carbon adjacent to the leaving group. Methyl groups hinder the approach of nucleophiles, making the reaction prefer SN1 over SN2.
3) CH3CH2CH2Br
This compound has a primary carbon bonded to the leaving group. Similar to compound 1, it is more likely to undergo SN2 reaction due to the ease of nucleophilic attack.
In summary, compound 1 is expected to undergo SN2 reaction, while compounds 2 and 3 are likely to undergo SN1 reactions. The presence of a beta hydrogen and the steric hindrance caused by the methyl group influence the reaction mechanisms.