Select the member of each pair that shows the greater rate of SN2 reaction with KI in acetone?
In this problem, we can see what we are given substrates (molecules with the leaving group that the nucleophile will attack).
SN2 prefers primary substate, ok with secondary but never tertiary. It attacks the carbon with the leaving group from the back and that is why it wants the least hindered path. The more branching is there on carbons neighboring the carbon with the leaving group, the slower SN2 reaction will be.
It also prefers the best leaving group. I>Br>Cl
Are you looking for an online organic chemistry tutor? Contact us HERE
We also have: