pentavalent transition state

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what does it mean by SN2 reactions are pentavalent transition states?????


If you examine the sp2 transition state for this reaction process, you would see that one bond is being BROKEN, while another bond is being CREATED....and the other three bonds are untouched. This specie is seen at the transition state, and we call it a " pentacovalent " transition state.

Hope this helps

Dr. Romano
 
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