CHM 2120 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Sn2 Reaction

If the primary alcohol ethanol is subjected to sulfuric acid, an SN2 substitution would occur instead and diethyl ether would be formed. Write a mechanism explaining in detail the movement of electrons in the SN2 substitution.

Predict the mechanism, SN1 or SN2, by which the following substitution reactions take place:

Part A

(CH3)3CBr+CH3CH2OH→(CH3)3COCH2CH3+HBr

A) SN1

B) SN2

Part B

CH3CH2CH2OH+NH3→CH3CH2CH2NH2+H2O

A) SN1

B) SN2