What are aliphatic nucleophilic substitution named reactions?
Aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reactions are a fundamental class of reactions in organic chemistry that involve the replacement of a leaving group by a nucleophile (Nu) in an aliphatic compound.
One of the most well-known aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reactions is the SN2 reaction, also known as the “backside attack”. In this type of reaction, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom that is bonded to the leaving group, leading to the formation of a new carbon-nucleophile bond and the elimination of the leaving group. The SN2 reaction is known for its high reactivity and is typically used to synthesize alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers.
Another important aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reaction is the SN1 reaction, also known as the “first-order nucleophilic substitution.” In this type of reaction, the leaving group is eliminated first, forming a carbocation intermediate that is then attacked by the nucleophile. The SN1 reaction is known for its lower reactivity compared to the SN2 reaction and is typically used to synthesize alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers.
The SN1 reaction is also known as “Curtius rearrangement” when it’s applied to an acyl azide, which leads to the formation of an isocyanate.
A third important aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reaction is the SNi reaction, also known as the “internal nucleophilic substitution.” In this type of reaction, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom that is adjacent to the leaving group, leading to the formation of a new carbon-nucleophile bond and the elimination of the leaving group. The SNi reaction is known for its moderate reactivity and is typically used to synthesize alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers.
In this section, it will be described the most relevant “named organic reactions” of substitution which occurs at an sp3 hybridized carbon atom.
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