Which of these compounds are SN1 in AgNO3, SN2 in NaI, or both?

Let’s analyze each compound to determine whether it undergoes SN1 in AgNO3, SN2 in NaI, or both.

1-Chlorobutane

SN1 in AgNO3: 1-Chlorobutane is a primary alkyl halide. Primary alkyl halides generally do not undergo SN1 reactions because they form unstable carbocations. Therefore, 1-Chlorobutane is unlikely to react via SN1 in AgNO3.

SN2 in NaI: Primary alkyl halides are ideal for SN2 reactions due to less steric hindrance. Therefore, 1-Chlorobutane will undergo an SN2 reaction with NaI, where I- will replace the Cl-.

1-Bromobutane

SN1 in AgNO3: Similar to 1-Chlorobutane, 1-Bromobutane is also a primary alkyl halide and will not undergo SN1 reactions due to the instability of primary carbocations.

SN2 in NaI: 1-Bromobutane will undergo an SN2 reaction with NaI, where I- will replace the Br-.

2-Chlorobutane

SN1 in AgNO3: 2-Chlorobutane is a secondary alkyl halide. Secondary alkyl halides can undergo SN1 reactions, but the reaction is slower compared to tertiary alkyl halides. Therefore, 2-Chlorobutane may undergo SN1 in AgNO3, but the reaction will be slow.

SN2 in NaI: Secondary alkyl halides can also undergo SN2 reactions, but the reaction is slower compared to primary alkyl halides due to increased steric hindrance. Therefore, 2-Chlorobutane will undergo an SN2 reaction with NaI, but the reaction will be slower than with primary alkyl halides.

t-Butyl Chloride (t-BuCl)

SN1 in AgNO3: t-Butyl Chloride is a tertiary alkyl halide. Tertiary alkyl halides are ideal for SN1 reactions because they form stable carbocations. Therefore, t-Butyl Chloride will readily undergo SN1 in AgNO3.

SN2 in NaI: Tertiary alkyl halides are highly sterically hindered, making SN2 reactions very difficult. Therefore, t-Butyl Chloride will not undergo an SN2 reaction with NaI.

In summary:

  • 1-Chlorobutane: SN2 in NaI
  • 1-Bromobutane: SN2 in NaI
  • 2-Chlorobutane: Both SN1 in AgNO3 (slow) and SN2 in NaI (slow)
  • t-Butyl Chloride: SN1 in AgNO3

More Related Questions