Which of the following statements about the S_N2 mechanism for nucleophilic substitution reactions is true? A)Involves one step and occurs with retention of configuration. B)Involves two steps and occurs with inversion of configuration. C)Involves one step and occurs with inversion of configuration. D)Involves one step and occurs with racemization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The S_N2 mechanism, also known as the SN2 reaction, involves a single step in which a nucleophile attacks a substrate, resulting in the displacement of a leaving group. This mechanism always results in inversion of configuration, meaning that if the initial substrate is a chiral molecule, the product will have the opposite stereochemistry. Therefore, option C, which states that the mechanism involves one step and occurs with inversion of configuration, is the correct choice. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they either involve multiple steps or do not result in the correct stereochemical outcome.

Which of the Following Statements About the SN2 Mechanism for Nucleophilic

Which of the Following Statements About the S_N2 Mechanism for Nucleophilic