Chapter 6, Problem 32P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason behind the hydrolysis of methyl bromide taking place much faster in the presence of sodium iodide is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ reaction is bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction, which means two components are involved in the rate determining step.

In the rate determining step, nucleophile approaches the carbon from the side directly opposite to the leaving group.

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ reaction is a concerted reaction as bond formation and bond breaking occur in the same step.