Why is SN2 stereospecific?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 5, 2016

Because the mechanism of the reaction determines the stereochemical outcome of the reaction.

Explanation:

A chiral centre of a given handedness will have an inverted handedeness upon #S_N2# reaction. I have always likened the mechanism to an umbrella blowing itself inside out on a windy day. Likewise its optical antipode will have the opposite handedness when it undergoes that same reaction

Related questions
See all questions in SN1 and SN2 Reactions
Impact of this question
3337 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License