SN1 Reaction Mechanism

2025-10-13

[public] 16.0 views, 3.00 likes, dislikes audio only

Let's break down the SN1 reaction mechanism step-by-step, showing exactly how the leaving group departs, how the nucleophile attacks the alpha carbon, and why the whole process leads to a mixture of enantiomers. Using clear diagrams and curved arrows, we'll walk through how to predict products, avoid common mistakes, and decide when SN1 CAN'T happen.

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0:00 Unimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions

0:31 SN1 Generic Pattern

3:28 Achiral Easier Example of SN1

7:25 Chiral Complex Example of SN1

8:46 Stereochemistry & Molecular Orbital Theory Explanation

12:55 Ratios of Enantiomeric Products

14:05 SN1 & SN2 Differences: Order of Carbon

15:27 Unimolecular vs Bimolecular: Reactants & Rate Law

16:30 Stereochemistry of SN1 vs SN2

17:20 When SN1 Can't Happen: Methyl & Primary

17:53 Better Leaving Groups & Best Nucleophiles

Citations:

Paula Yurkanis Bruice, "Organic Chemistry" 8th ed

https://openstax.org/books/organic-chemistry/pages/11-4-the-sn1-reaction

Music: https://youtu.be/lL6AsbG07xY

Unimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=0

SN1 Generic Pattern
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=31

Achiral Easier Example of SN1
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=208

Chiral Complex Example of SN1
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=445

Stereochemistry & Molecular Orbital Theory Explanation
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=526

Ratios of Enantiomeric Products
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=775

SN1 & SN2 Differences: Order of Carbon
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=845

Unimolecular vs Bimolecular: Reactants & Rate Law
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=927

Stereochemistry of SN1 vs SN2
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=990

When SN1 Can't Happen: Methyl & Primary
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=1040

Better Leaving Groups & Best Nucleophiles
/youtube/video/60EIMEHnnvc?t=1073

Chemistry in a Nutshell Ph.D. Chemist | Passionate Educator | Science Enthusiast Welcome! I have a passion for teaching and a knack for explaining complex concepts in a way that's easy to understand. I make the kind of chemistry videos I wish I had as a student. I have a Ph.D. in chemistry and extensive experience teaching general and organic chemistry. I’ve worked with students from high schools, community colleges, and large research universities. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for how essential it is to make chemistry accessible and engaging for everyone. This channel is for helping undergraduate & high school students, but it’s also for anyone who has a curiosity about science and how the world works. My goal is to create videos for every topic in general & organic chemistry. With enough support via Patreon (early access) or Amazon Affiliate (small commission earned at no extra cost), I can dedicate more time to producing high quality, educational content.
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SN2 Reactions: Nucleophiles, Electrophiles, Leaving Groups 558 views
/youtube/video/t6PPPEwEDWw

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