23. Does each of the following nucleophile favor SN2 or SN1? (a) (b) HO, SH (c) (d) NaOH (e) NaCN

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**The Nucleophile**

Recall that the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 process is dependent on the concentration of the nucleophile. For the same reason, S<sub>N</sub>2 processes are also dependent on the *strength* of the nucleophile. A strong nucleophile will speed up the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 reaction, while a weak nucleophile will slow down the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 reaction. In contrast, an S<sub>N</sub>1 process is not affected by the concentration or strength of the nucleophile because the nucleophile does not participate in the rate-determining step. In summary, the nucleophile has the following effect on the competition between S<sub>N</sub>2 and S<sub>N</sub>1:

- A strong nucleophile favors S<sub>N</sub>2.
- A weak nucleophile disfavors S<sub>N</sub>2 (and thereby allows S<sub>N</sub>1 to compete successfully).

We must therefore learn to identify nucleophiles as strong or weak. The strength of a nucleophile is determined by many factors that were first discussed in Section 6.7. Figure 7.26 shows some strong and weak nucleophiles that we will encounter.

**Figure Explanation: Common Nucleophiles**

The diagram presents a table of common nucleophiles, divided into two columns labeled "Strong" and "Weak":

- **Strong Nucleophiles:**
  - I⁻
  - HS⁻
  - HO⁻
  - Br⁻
  - H₂S
  - RSH

- **Weak Nucleophiles:**
  - F⁻
  - H₂O
  - ROH
Transcribed Image Text:**The Nucleophile** Recall that the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 process is dependent on the concentration of the nucleophile. For the same reason, S<sub>N</sub>2 processes are also dependent on the *strength* of the nucleophile. A strong nucleophile will speed up the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 reaction, while a weak nucleophile will slow down the rate of an S<sub>N</sub>2 reaction. In contrast, an S<sub>N</sub>1 process is not affected by the concentration or strength of the nucleophile because the nucleophile does not participate in the rate-determining step. In summary, the nucleophile has the following effect on the competition between S<sub>N</sub>2 and S<sub>N</sub>1: - A strong nucleophile favors S<sub>N</sub>2. - A weak nucleophile disfavors S<sub>N</sub>2 (and thereby allows S<sub>N</sub>1 to compete successfully). We must therefore learn to identify nucleophiles as strong or weak. The strength of a nucleophile is determined by many factors that were first discussed in Section 6.7. Figure 7.26 shows some strong and weak nucleophiles that we will encounter. **Figure Explanation: Common Nucleophiles** The diagram presents a table of common nucleophiles, divided into two columns labeled "Strong" and "Weak": - **Strong Nucleophiles:** - I⁻ - HS⁻ - HO⁻ - Br⁻ - H₂S - RSH - **Weak Nucleophiles:** - F⁻ - H₂O - ROH
**Question 23:** Does each of the following nucleophiles favor SN2 or SN1?

**Nucleophiles:**

(a) CH₃CH₂OH

(b) CH₃CH₂SH

(c) CH₃CH₂O⁻

(d) NaOH

(e) NaCN

**Explanation:**

This question examines whether each given nucleophile favors an SN2 or SN1 reaction mechanism. Here’s a general guideline:

- **Strong nucleophiles** tend to favor SN2 reactions, especially when paired with primary substrates.
- **Weaker nucleophiles** or those that are also good leaving groups often participate in SN1 reactions, particularly with tertiary substrates.

Below is a description of each nucleophile:

- **(a) CH₃CH₂OH (Ethanol):** Typically regarded as a weaker nucleophile, often favoring SN1 in the presence of a tertiary carbon due to its neutral oxygen atom.

- **(b) CH₃CH₂SH (Ethanethiol):** A stronger and soft nucleophile, particularly suitable for SN2 reactions.

- **(c) CH₃CH₂O⁻ (Ethoxide Ion):** A strong, negatively charged nucleophile that favors SN2 reactions because of its high reactivity.

- **(d) NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide):** A strong base and nucleophile, typically promoting SN2 reactions with primary substrates.

- **(e) NaCN (Sodium Cyanide):** A strong nucleophile that typically drives SN2 reactions due to the strong nucleophilic character of the CN⁻ ion.

This classification can help students predict the likely pathway for reactions involving these nucleophiles.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 23:** Does each of the following nucleophiles favor SN2 or SN1? **Nucleophiles:** (a) CH₃CH₂OH (b) CH₃CH₂SH (c) CH₃CH₂O⁻ (d) NaOH (e) NaCN **Explanation:** This question examines whether each given nucleophile favors an SN2 or SN1 reaction mechanism. Here’s a general guideline: - **Strong nucleophiles** tend to favor SN2 reactions, especially when paired with primary substrates. - **Weaker nucleophiles** or those that are also good leaving groups often participate in SN1 reactions, particularly with tertiary substrates. Below is a description of each nucleophile: - **(a) CH₃CH₂OH (Ethanol):** Typically regarded as a weaker nucleophile, often favoring SN1 in the presence of a tertiary carbon due to its neutral oxygen atom. - **(b) CH₃CH₂SH (Ethanethiol):** A stronger and soft nucleophile, particularly suitable for SN2 reactions. - **(c) CH₃CH₂O⁻ (Ethoxide Ion):** A strong, negatively charged nucleophile that favors SN2 reactions because of its high reactivity. - **(d) NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide):** A strong base and nucleophile, typically promoting SN2 reactions with primary substrates. - **(e) NaCN (Sodium Cyanide):** A strong nucleophile that typically drives SN2 reactions due to the strong nucleophilic character of the CN⁻ ion. This classification can help students predict the likely pathway for reactions involving these nucleophiles.
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