SN1 Reaction

The video tutorial explains the SN1 reaction, a type of nucleophilic substitution. It highlights the key differences between SN1 and SN2 reactions, focusing on the two-step mechanism of SN1. The first step involves the leaving group departing, forming a carbocation intermediate. This transition changes the carbon's hybridization from SP3 to SP2, resulting in a trigonal planar geometry. The nucleophile can then attack from either side, potentially creating a racemic mixture if a chiral center is formed. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the transition state and molecular orbitals involved in the reaction.

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