What is the difference between Sn1 and Sn2 reactions?

Both Sn1 and Sn2 reactions are nucleophilic substitution reactions. Sn1 reactions proceed via 2 steps. An example of this is the substitution of a halogen group such as bromine with an OH- group forming an alcohol. In this case the bromine group would leave the molecule first then the OH- group would attack. This is like waiting for someone to get up of a chair before sitting down on that chair. An Sn2 reaction proceeds via 1 step. The OH- group attacks the molecule whilst the halogen is still attached and causes the halogen to he pushed off the molecule. Again this is like pushing someone off a chair whlist you sit down.

JS
Answered by Joseph S. Chemistry tutor

7440 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

0.250 g of a hydrocarbon known to contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen was subject to complete combustion and produced 0.3664 g of CO2 and 0.1500 g of H2O. What is the empirical formula of this hydrocarbon?


Explain the trend in ionisation energy down group 2? (3)


Calculate the pH of the solution formed when 30 cm3 of 0.150 moldm-3 aqueous sulfuric acid is added to 30 cm3 of 0.200 moldm-3 aqueous potassium hydroxide at 25 C.


0.28 g of a gaseous hydrocarbon was turned in excess oxygen. 0.88 g of carbon dioxide and 0.36 g of water were formed. The volume of 0.28 g of the hydrocarbon at 1.01 x10^5 Pa and 298 k is 123 cm^3. Work out the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning