Organic Reactions – SN1 vs SN2
SN1
- SN1 rate law: rate = k[substrate], first order
- Intermediate: a carbocation forms in the slow step
- Favoured by: tertiary substrates and polar protic solvents
SN2
- SN2 rate law: rate = k[substrate][nucleophile]
- Stereochemistry: inversion of configuration (backside attack)
- Favoured by: primary substrates and polar aprotic solvents