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CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 15.1.5 Sn1 Sn2 Substitution Mechanisms Questions

Practise drawing and comparing SN1 and SN2 halogenoalkane mechanisms with charges, dipoles, curly arrows and rate-determining steps.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
AS

Exam points

  • show SN1 C–X heterolysis first, then nucleophile attack on the planar carbocation
  • show SN2 as one concerted backside attack while the C–X bond breaks
  • compare substrate structure, carbocation stability, transition states and stereochemical outcomes

CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 15.1.5 Sn1 Sn2 Substitution Mechanisms Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Q is either a primary or a tertiary halogenoalkane. Q undergoes hydrolysis with aqueous sodium hydroxide.

The first step in the mechanism of this reaction involves two species reacting together.
Which row is correct?

Q

behaviour of hydroxide ion

primary halogenoalkane

electrophile

primary halogenoalkane

nucleophile

tertiary halogenoalkane

electrophile

tertiary halogenoalkane

nucleophile

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