Steric Hindrance In Reactions
Hardchemistry
Steric hindrance most reduces rate of which mechanism?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
SN2
- SN2 Mechanism: Occurs in a single step where the nucleophile attacks from the backside of the leaving group.
- Transition State: The carbon atom is briefly bonded to both the nucleophile and the leaving group, creating a crowded environment.
- Steric Impact: If the carbon atom is 'shielded' by bulky alkyl groups (e.g., in tertiary halides), the nucleophile cannot reach the center easily.
- Rate Effect: Higher branching at the α and β carbons causes a drastic drop in SN2 rates (1∘>2∘>3∘).
- Check: SN1 is less affected by hindrance because the slow step is the formation of a carbocation, which actually relieves steric strain.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- basic organic principles
- Topic
- steric hindrance in reactions
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
SN2
- SN2 Mechanism: Occurs in a single step where the nucleophile attacks from the backside of the leaving group.
- Transition State: The carbon atom is briefly bonded to both the nucleophile and the leaving group, creating a crowded environment.
- Steric Impact: If the carbon atom is 'shielded' by bulky alkyl groups (e.g., in tertiary halides), the nucleophile cannot reach the center easily.
- Rate Effect: Higher branching at the α and β carbons causes a drastic drop in SN2 rates (1∘>2∘>3∘).
- Check: SN1 is less affected by hindrance because the slow step is the formation of a carbocation, which actually relieves steric strain.
This hard difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter basic organic principles, covering the topic of steric hindrance in reactions. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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