Chemistry

We have covered nucleophilic substitution reactions in class. These are extremely important reactions both for synthesis in lab and in biological systems. This lab gives you a chance to carry out a nucleophilic substitution reaction, and a chance to experience how scientists determine the mechanism which governs a reaction.

When organic chemistry students attend class, they learn about many theoretical mechanisms via which chemical reaction are thought to occur. Why do chemists believe that these mechanisms are accurate models for chemical reactions?

Before beginning this lab, you should perform the following:

• Review nucleophilic substitution reactions and mechanisms in Ch. 7 of Smith 6th Ed.

Determining the Mechanism of a Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction

Experimentally

In this lab, your challenge is to design an experiment to answer the following

question: Do primary alkyl halides such as 1-chlorobutane really react mostly via

an SN2 pathway?

Write a hypothesis answering the question above. Your hypothesis should include a brief reason for the answer you are espousing.

What experiments can offer evidence for the mechanism of a reaction?