Chapter 7, Problem 7.10P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ step that would occur between ${\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{I}$ and ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{SNa}$ is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

In ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ step, a molecular species called substrate undergoes substitution in which one atom or group of atoms is replaced by another. Nucleophile is the species that reacts with the substrate, and it has an atom that bears partial or full negative charge. A nucleophile is attracted by and forms a bond to the nonhydrogen atom that bears a partial or full positive charge. A nucleophile forms a bond to the substrate, and at the same time, a bond to the leaving group, i.e., the group that is displaced, is broken. Leaving groups are typically conjugate bases of strong acids. The nucleophiles are electron rich as they bear negative charge; an atom of the substrate bears positive charge and is electron poor. In ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ step, a curved arrow is drawn from the lone pair of the electron rich atom of the nuclepohile to the electron poor atom of the substrate. A second curved arrow is drawn to indicate the breaking of the bond.