1. CH 6-3: SN2 Reaction Part III The Leaving Group in SN2 Reactions
(weak base)
The most reactive Leaving Group forms the weakest base…
Rank the following Leaving Groups in order of reactivity in SN2 reactions:
I Br Cl F-
<<<< < <

2. The Nucleophile in SN2 Reactions
The chemical reactivity of the nucleophile is referred to as its “NUCLEOPHILICITY”. Several factors effect the reactivity of the nucleophile.
(1) Solvent effects the rate of SN2 reactions. The typical solvents for SN2 reactions are “polar aprotic” solvents (DMSO, acetone, DMF):
For NaCl in acetone:
Polar “aprotic” solvents bind the positive cation, leaving a “naked anion” which is a good nucleophile.

3. “Nucleophilicity” in SN2 Reactions (Effect of the nucleophile on reaction rate)
(2) Base Strength. The strongest (more reactive) nucleophile is typically the stronger base.
Rank the following in order of their Nucleophilicity (1 = most…3 = least):
F NH HO-
Cl Br I-

4. “Nucleophilicity” in SN2 Reactions
EXCEPTION: For neutral molecules from same column, Nucleophilicity depends on the size of the central atom. The larger atom is more nucleophilic. The trend is opposite the expected base strength!
H2O H2S H2Se
< <

5. “Nucleophilicity” in SN2 Reactions
(3) Steric effects (nucleophile size). Which is the more reactive nucleophile:
Better nucleophile
Large “bulky” bases are poor nucleophiles…..WHY?

6. Re-cap: The SN2 Substitution Reaction
A bimolecular, concerted mechanism
Energy Diagram: minimum of one step (one T.S.)
“Pentavalent Carbon” in the T.S.; crowded T.S.
Nucleophile “attacks” 180o opposite the Leaving Group.
Stereospecific reaction; inversion of configuration
Substrate structure: methyl > 1o > 2o >>> 3o (NR by SN2)
Leaving groups: best leaving groups form a weak base
Nucleophile: best Nuc is usually a small, strong base, or large neutral atom, in polar-aprotic solvent (acetone).