SN1 vs. SN2

[motivated dent]

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does the SN1 do a complete inversion where R goes to S or is it just strictly for the SN2 reaction. Just confused since it says that for SN1 it can do an inversion as well.

 

[sciencegod]

no sn1 forms a racemic mixture. some is inverted ans some is the same. so its about 50-50. ( a little more is actually formed 1 way but no need for the dat.

 

[joonkimdds]

does the SN1 do a complete inversion where R goes to S or is it just strictly for the SN2 reaction. Just confused since it says that for SN1 it can do an inversion as well.

SN1 = 2 steps = 1st step is where leaving group leaves and form carbocation.
When it's in carbocation form, nucleophile can either attack from the back or front. 50:50 = racemic = both inversion and retention. Don't forget that this also means it's optically inactive because they cancel each other.