Mechanism shared by SN1 and SN2
R-X (electrophile) + Nu- (nucleophile) -> Nu-R (product) + X- (leaving group)
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Remember, SN1 and SN2 are the same reaction just undergoing a different mechanism.
SN1 quick sheet
- rate-determining step is unimolecular
- has carbocation intermediate
- favored by tertiary carbons that can support carbocation
- works better in a polar protic solvent (solvation effect)
- tertiary >> secondary electrophile
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SN2 quick sheet
- rate-determining step is bimolecular
- no carbocation intermediate
- nucleophile assists leaving group
- works better in a polar aprotic solvent
- methyl > primary >> secondary elecrophile
- steric effects important, favoring small nucleophiles
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