Question

For the following SN2 reaction, draw the organic and inorganic products of the reaction, and identify the nucleophile, substrate, and leaving group. Include wedge/dash bonds and H on a stereocenter.

Answer 1

Answer:

Substrate:alkyl halide

Leaving group: Cl

Organic product: The nitrile

Inorganic product: Cl-

Nucleophile: CN-

Explanation:

An SN2 reaction is a concerted bimolecular reaction. Concerted means that it involves two reactions taking place at the same time while bimolecular means that the rate determining step involves two molecules. The cyanide ion attacks the alkyl halide from the rear. In the transition state, the leaving group (Cl-) is departing while the nucleophile (CN-) is forming a bond to the alkyl halide simultaneously. The alkyl halide is the substrate in the reaction. The organic product is the nitrile shown in the image attached.