Which of the following ideas best explains why S_N2 reactions proceed with inversion of configuration?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orbital overlap is the key factor in SN2 reactions that explains why they proceed with inversion of configuration. In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the substrate from the side opposite to the leaving group, leading to a backside attack. This occurs because the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the nucleophile overlaps with the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the substrate, resulting in the displacement of the leaving group and inversion of the configuration at the carbon center.

Which of the Following Ideas Best Explains Why SN2

Which of the Following Ideas Best Explains Why S_N2