SN1 vs SN2: Fast Identification on Exams: Decision Framework + Practice

A rapid decision guide for SN1 vs SN2 based on substrate, nucleophile strength, solvent, leaving group, and rearrangement/stereochemistry clues.

  • Reaction: SN1 vs SN2: Fast Identification on Exams
  • What it does: A rapid decision guide for SN1 vs SN2 based on substrate, nucleophile strength, solvent, leaving group, and rearrangement/stereochemistry clues.
  • Typical reagents: Compare: NaOEt (polar aprotic) vs H2O (polar protic)
  • Key intermediate: Carbocation
  • Driving force: Formation/capture of a stabilized cation
  • Exam type: Predict major product
  • Exam type: Mechanism choice

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