Allylic and Benzyllic sn1 sn2

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

virtualmaster999

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hi everyone!

Quick question on sn1/sn2

How exactly do benzyllic and allylic halides play into effect when determining "which is the best halide for sn1 or sn2"? Is this how you go about it?

for sn2: check primary, then secondary. if there is a tie, say two primary halides, but one is allylic/ benzyllic, that one wins?

for sn1: how does this work if sn1 reactivity is tertiary and secondary, but allylic/benzyllic are neither of these?

Thank you as always!
 
Hi everyone!

Quick question on sn1/sn2

How exactly do benzyllic and allylic halides play into effect when determining "which is the best halide for sn1 or sn2"? Is this how you go about it?

for sn2: check primary, then secondary. if there is a tie, say two primary halides, but one is allylic/ benzyllic, that one wins?



for sn1: how does this work if sn1 reactivity is tertiary and secondary, but allylic/benzyllic are neither of these?

Thank you as always!

Benzylic and allylic halides can do EITHER SN1 or SN2 depending on the conditions. If the solvent is polar such as water or alcohol, the SN1 pathway will operate. If the nucleophile is strong such as CN- or C2H50-....SN2 will take over. Also...a polar aprotic solvent such as DMF, THF, DMSO favors SN2. As the substrate gets more hindered......as in the case of secondary or tertiary......SN1 is more likely. Great question...

Hope this helps

Dr. Jim Romano