will be required to cause the reaction to occur at a reasonable rate.- A free-energy diagram for the reaction of methyl chloride with hydroxide ion:
Figure 6.5 A free-energy diagram for the reaction of methyl chloride with
hydroxide ion at 60 °C.
- At 60 °C, ∆G‡ = 103 kJ mol–1 (24.6 kcal mol–1) ⇒ the reaction reaches
completion in a matter of a few hours at this temperature.
6.9 THE STEREOCHEMISTRY OF SN 2 REACTIONS
- In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks from the back side, that is, from the
side directly opposite the leaving group.
- This attack causes a change in the configuration (inversion of configuration)
of the carbon atom that is the target of nucleophilic attack.