Chapter 8, Problem 8.67P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ mechanism that shows how $\text{creatine}$ is produced from $\text{guanidoacetate}$ and SAM is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

In the ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ step, the substrate undergoes substitution in which one atom or group of atoms is replaced by another. A nucleophile attacks and forms a bond with the electrophilic carbon atom. A nucleophile forms a bond to the substrate; at the same time, a bond to the leaving group, i.e., the group that is displaced, is broken. In the ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ step, a curved arrow is drawn from the lone pair of the electron rich atom of the nucleophile to the electron poor atom of the substrate. A second curved arrow is drawn to indicate the breaking of the bond.