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CAIE A-Level Chemistry 15.1.6 SN1 and SN2 Reaction Trends

Practise predicting whether a primary, secondary or tertiary halogenoalkane follows SN1, SN2 or a mixture.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
AS

Exam points

  • predict primary halogenoalkanes favour SN2 because steric hindrance to direct attack is lower
  • predict tertiary halogenoalkanes favour SN1 because the intermediate carbocation is more stable
  • treat secondary halogenoalkanes as potentially using both pathways depending on their structure and conditions

15.1.6—SN2/SN1 trends in halogenoalkanes question 1

[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 15.1.6—SN2/SN1 trends in halogenoalkanes 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 SN2\mathrm{S}_{\mathrm{N}} 2 mechanism.

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