Moderate

SN2 reaction at an asymmetric carbon of a compound always gives:

Correct answer: D. A single stereoisomer.

  • A. An enantiomer of the substrate.
  • B. A product with opposite optical rotation.
  • C. A mixture of diastereomers.
  • D. A single stereoisomer.

Explanation

SN2 reaction proceeds with inversion of configuration. Since the attacking nucleophile is not same as that of leaving group, the product cannot be enantiomer of the substrate so the product will not necessarily have opposite optical rotation. Moreover only one product is obtained, so we cannot obtain diastereomers.

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About Alkyl Halides

Alkyl halides are named and related to their carbon-halogen structure, polarity and reactivity. The key reactions are nucleophilic substitution by SN1 and SN2 mechanisms and elimination by E1 and E2 mechanisms, including how substrate structure, nucleophile, base, solvent and temperature influence substitution versus elimination.

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