Understanding SN1 and SN2 Mechanisms

This video tutorial explores SN1 and SN2 mechanisms in nucleophilic substitution reactions of halogen alkanes with hydroxide ions. It explains the differences between primary and tertiary halogen alkanes, the role of nucleophiles, and how reaction rates can indicate the mechanism pathway. The video also covers the concepts of transition states and carbocation intermediates, providing a comprehensive understanding of these chemical processes.

What is a nucleophile in the context of nucleophilic substitution reactions?

• An electron pair acceptor

• A molecule that loses electrons

• An electron pair donor

• A positively charged ion

In an SN2 reaction, what happens to the carbon-halogen bond?

• It remains intact

• It breaks as the nucleophile bonds

• It forms a double bond

• It forms a triple bond

What is the role of the hydroxide ion in an SN2 mechanism?

• It acts as a catalyst

• It acts as an inhibitor

• It acts as a nucleophile

• It acts as a solvent

Why can't tertiary halogen alkanes undergo SN2 reactions?

• Due to lack of nucleophiles

• Due to low reactivity

• Due to steric hindrance

• Due to high electronegativity

What is formed when the carbon-halogen bond breaks in an SN1 mechanism?

• A free radical

• A carbocation

• A neutral molecule

• A carbanion

How does the rate of an SN1 reaction depend on the concentration of reactants?

• It depends only on the halogen alkane

• It does not depend on concentration

• It depends only on the nucleophile

• It depends on both nucleophile and halogen alkane

What does the energy profile of an SN1 reaction show?

• Three peaks with multiple intermediates

• A flat line with no peaks

• Two peaks with a carbocation intermediate

• One peak and no intermediate

Which mechanism involves a transition state where both the nucleophile and halogen are attached to the carbon?

• SN1

• SN2

• Both SN1 and SN2

• Neither SN1 nor SN2

What is the main difference in the rate equations of SN1 and SN2 reactions?

• Both depend on the same reactants

• SN1 depends on one reactant, SN2 on two

• Neither depends on reactant concentration

• SN1 depends on two reactants, SN2 on one

Which type of halogen alkane typically reacts via an SN2 mechanism?

• Tertiary

• Secondary

• Primary

• Quaternary