CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 15.1.6 Sn2 Sn1 Trends in Halogenoalkanes Questions

Practise predicting SN1 or SN2 behaviour from primary, secondary and tertiary halogenoalkane structure, steric hindrance and carbocation stability.

Exam points

predict primary halogenoalkanes favour SN2 because steric hindrance to direct attack is low
predict tertiary halogenoalkanes favour SN1 because their carbocations are stabilised by alkyl groups
treat secondary halogenoalkanes as condition-dependent and justify the dominant pathway

[Maximum number: 1]

Halogenoalkanes react with a number of different reagents in nucleophilic substitution reactions.

Equal amounts of three different halogenoalkanes are added to three separate test-tubes. An equal amount of aqueous silver nitrate and ethanol is added to each test-tube. The time taken for a precipitate to form is recorded for each halogenoalkane.

Table for Question CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 15.1.6 Sn2 Sn1 Trends in Halogenoalkanes Questions question 1 — CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS

Identify a halogenoalkane which tends to react with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate and ethanol via the $\mathrm{S}_{\mathrm{N}} 2$ mechanism.

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CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 15.1.6 Sn2 Sn1 Trends in Halogenoalkanes Questions question 1