Because the SN1 reaction goes through a flat carbocation, | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Organic Chemistry

Chapter 6 Problem 65SP

Question

Problem 65SP

Because the SN1 reaction goes through a flat carbocation, we might expect an optically active starting material to give a completely racemized product. In most cases, however, SN1 reactions actually give more of the inversion product. In general, as the stability of the carbocation increases, the excess inversion product decreases. Extremely stable carbocations give completely racemic products. Explain these observations.

Solution

Answer :

Step 1

As Carbocation stability increases,the leaving group will be less tightly held by the carbocation for stabilization ; the more stable carbocations are more free in solution meaning more exposed .

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full solution

Title Organic Chemistry 8 
Author L.G. Wade Jr
ISBN 9780321768414

Because the SN1 reaction goes through a flat carbocation,

Chapter 6 textbook questions

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