What is Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction?
Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction is a type of organic reaction in which an electron-rich nucleophile replaces a leaving group in a molecule. This substitution typically occurs at an atom with a partial positive charge, such as a carbon atom in an alkyl group. The nucleophile, an electron-rich species, donates a pair of electrons to the electrophilic atom, leading to the formation of a new compound.
The group that takes an electron pair and is displaced from the carbon is known as the leaving group and the molecule on which substitution takes place is known as substrate.
The general form of a nucleophilic substitution reaction can be represented as follows:
Nu− + R-X → Nu-R + X−
Nu– represents the nucleophile, R-X is the substrate molecule where R is usually an alkyl or aryl group, and X is the leaving group, and Nu-R is the product formed.
Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction Definition
Nucleophilic substitution is a type of organic reaction in which a nucleophile (a species with an electron-rich center) reacts with a substrate by replacing a leaving group.
The nucleophile donates a pair of electrons to form a new bond with the substrate, resulting in the substitution of one group or atom by another.
Examples of Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction
Nucleophilic substitution reactions can occur with various nucleophiles and leaving groups, leading to different products and reaction mechanisms. The specific conditions and reagents used will influence the outcome of the reaction. Below are a few examples, where nucleophilic substitution reactions occur in a variety of organic and inorganic chemical reactions, depending on the specific compounds involved.
CH3 – Br + OH → CH3OH + Br–
C2H5 – Br + NH3 → C2H5 – NH2 + NH4Br
CH3CO-OH + CH3OH → CH3CO-O-CH3 + H2O
Read More, Electrophiles and Nucleophile
Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction
Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction is a type of organic reaction in which a nucleophile replaces a leaving group in a molecule. This reaction is similar to the displacement reaction, where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element in a solution.
In this article, we will discuss about Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction, its mechanism, characteristics, and examples.
Table of Content
- What is Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction?
- Nucleophilicity
- Mechanisms of Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction
- Difference Between SN1 and SN2 reaction
- Factors Affecting Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction
- Characteristics of Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction