SN1 vs SN2: Reaction Warfare

How does an alkyl halide turn into an alcohol? It depends on the mechanism. Let's compare the two giants of Organic Chemistry.

Visualize the Attack

See how the nucleophile attacks the carbon in 3D.

Open Reaction Lab

SN1

  • • Steps: 2 Steps.
  • • Formation: Carbocation intermediate.
  • • Order: 3° > 2° > 1°.
  • • Product: Racemic Mixture.

SN2

  • • Steps: 1 Step.
  • • Formation: Transition State.
  • • Order: 1° > 2° > 3°.
  • • Product: Inversion of configuration (Backside attack).