2025-10-06

[public] 12.0 views, 3.00 likes, dislikes audio only

Chemistry in a Nutshell

Let's break down the SN2 reaction mechanism step-by-step, showing exactly how a nucleophile attacks an electrophile, how the leaving group departs, and why the whole process leads to steric inversion. Using clear diagrams and curved arrows, we'll walk through how to predict products, avoid common mistakes, and decide when SN2 CAN'T happen.

Playlists to ACE Chemistry:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMuKRkW9gDV7vlAk4Y9WRU7c

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMszGN5XY0QXNP_t-9Z-B8C2

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMssGHFrR4Ee7_-8cFBvBkgN

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMs9m0GL4dz8jSs0K4PWfqCp

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMvs5nsG1VUQA0wsP9LGEQha

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMuHwUffHLOozSFQ0Cz_iTnC

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMv7_3jTEAe3vVZqPhsjf5Oy

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMtc45U4K2b0Dm88L9D7d0EE

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/ChemistryinaNutshell

0:00 Bimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions

0:32 Bimolecular, Unimolecular, Concerted

1:12 SN2 Generic Pattern

3:46 Achiral Easier Example of SN2

6:16 Chiral Complex Example of SN2

7:46 Transition State of Chiral Example

9:13 Steric Inversion / Chirality Flip Explanation

10:30 Backside Attack

10:45 Backside Attack (Simple Explanation)

10:59 Backside Attack (Molecular Orbital Theory Explanation)

11:44 When SN2 CAN'T happen

12:02 Steric Hindrance Around Electrophile

12:52 Steric Hindrance of Nucleophile

13:12 Weaker bases make better leaving groups

13:51 Strongest bases are the best nucleophiles

Citations:

Paula Yurkanis Bruice, "Organic Chemistry" 8th ed

https://openstax.org/books/organic-chemistry/pages/11-2-the-sn2-reaction

Music by me: https://youtu.be/lL6AsbG07xY