2PurposeLearn how SN1 and SN2 reactions can be used to synthesize various compounds fromalkyl halidesObjectivesUsing an SN1 reaction, synthesize triphenylmethyl bromide from triphenylmethanol, andrecord its mass, melting point, and calculate the percent yield.Introduction.A nucleophilic substitution reaction typically involves the loss of a leaving group and anucleophilic attack in which the nucleophile “replaces” the leaving group. This reaction canoccur via a SN1 or SN2 mechanism. In an SN1 mechanism, the leaving group leaves and acarbocation is generated. Carbocations can be primary, secondary or tertiary, with tertiarycarbocations being the most stable and primary being the least stable (Atim, 2020).Rearrangement of the carbocation can occur to form a more stable carbocation via methyl orhydride shifts. Once the carbocation is formed, the nucleophile attacks, and the reaction iscomplete. The rate of the reaction depends entirely on the concentration of the alkyl halide,which means first order kinetics apply, hence the “1”. In an SN2 mechanism, the leaving groupleaves as the nucleophile attacks all in a single step, which means second-order kinetics apply,hence the “2” (Atim, 2020). When a chiral center is present, inversion also occurs. S
