Reactions of Alkyl Halides: Nucleophilic Substitutions and Eliminations

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to nucleophilic substitutions and eliminations in organic chemistry, specifically focusing on alkyl halides.

Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction

A reaction where a nucleophile replaces a leaving group in an organic compound.

SN2 Reaction

A bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction characterized by a single transition state and inversion of stereochemistry.

SN1 Reaction

A unimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction that involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate.

Zaitsev's Rule

A rule stating that in elimination reactions, the most stable alkene is usually the major product.

E2 Reaction

A bimolecular elimination reaction where the base removes a proton while the leaving group departs.

E1 Reaction

An elimination reaction that occurs in two steps, involving the formation of a carbocation intermediate.

Carbocation

A positively charged carbon atom with three bonds, which serves as an intermediate in many reactions.

Leaving Group

An atom or group that can depart from the parent molecule, making way for a nucleophile to attach.

Allylic Carbocation

A carbocation adjacent to a double bond, which can be stabilized by resonance.

Benzylic Carbocation

A carbocation that occurs at a carbon atom adjacent to a benzene ring, also stabilized by resonance.

Inversion of Configuration

The change in stereochemistry at a carbon atom due to the substitution or elimination process.

Biological Substitution Reactions

Nucleophilic substitution reactions that occur within biological systems, often involving enzyme catalysis.

Anti Periplanar Geometry

A spatial arrangement where the leaving group and the hydrogen atom being removed are on opposite sides, necessary for certain elimination reactions.

Deuterium Isotope Effect

The differing reaction rates of reactions involving hydrogen versus deuterium, often observed in elimination reactions.

Nucleophile

A species that donates an electron pair to form a chemical bond in a reaction.

Polar Aprotic Solvent

Solvents that do not have hydrogen bonding capabilities and do not donate protons, often favoring SN2 reactions.

Protic Solvent

Solvents that can donate protons (H+) and can stabilize carbocations, often favoring SN1 reactions.