Chapter 6, Problem 40P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The major product resulting from each of the given competition experiments is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Alkyl halides undergo reaction in which a nucleophile displaces the halogen atom attached to the carbon in the molecule. Such reactions are known as nucleophilic substitution reactions.

Nucleophilic substitution happens by two different mechanisms: ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{1}$ and ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$.

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ reaction is an unimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction, which means only component is involved in the rate determining steps.

In the rate determining step, leaving group generates a carbocation intermediate.

Carbocation intermediated then undergoes a rapid reaction with nucleophile.

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, nucleophilic 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 occurs in the same step.