Sn2 and Sn1 Chart

1. A) Rate of expression
• Sn2: r=k[Rx][Nu-]
• Sn1: r=k[Rx] because there is only one molecule (unimolecular)
B) Reaction Intermediate
• Sn2: Transition state (5 things attached)
• Sn1: Carbocation, positively charged carbon.
C) Stereochemistry
• Sn2: Inversion
• Sn1: You get a racemic mixture therefore it doesn't bend light in the polarimeter.
‣ 50% retention + 50% inversion= No bending
D) Relative Rates of 1
• Sn2: primary >secondary, no tertiary
• Sn1: tertiary > secondary, no primary
E) Effect of increasing concentration of nucleophile
• Sn2: Increased rate of reaction
• Sn1: No effect
F) Effect of increasing concentration of alkyl halide
• Sn2: rate increases
• Sn1: [Rx] increases, r increases
G) Effect of an ionic or polar solvent
• Sn2: Bad.
• Sn1: It is good because the halide can dissolve.
H) Effect of a nonpolar solvent
• Sn2: Yummy. Likes nonpolar solvents because of no stinkin' ions.
• Sn1: It is bad because the halide is not going to dissolve.
I) Effect of bulky groups around reaction center
• Sn2: Bad. Tertiary is bad because it's in the way.
• Sn1: it is better because it is more stable and doesn't have to sneak in. You want a more stable tertiary
chirocarbon.

2. J) Strength of Nucleophile
• Sn2: Stronger nucleophile is better. More electronegative so it wants to leave.
• Sn1: The weaker the better.