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Grade upto college level Physical Chemistry

The organic chloro compound, which shows complete stereochemical inversion during a SN2 reaction, is i. (CH3)2CHCl ii. CH3Cl iii. (C2H5)2CHCl iv. (CH3)3CCl

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12 Years agoGrade upto college level
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1 Answer

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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer0 Years ago

To determine which organic chloro compound exhibits complete stereochemical inversion during an SN2 reaction, we need to consider the structure of each compound and how they interact with nucleophiles. In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the electrophilic carbon from the opposite side of the leaving group, resulting in inversion of configuration. This mechanism is characteristic of primary and some secondary alkyl halides, while tertiary halides typically do not undergo SN2 reactions due to steric hindrance.

Analyzing the Compounds

Let's break down each of the given compounds:

  • (CH3)2CHCl - This is isopropyl chloride, a secondary alkyl halide. Secondary substrates can undergo SN2 reactions, but they are less favorable compared to primary substrates due to steric hindrance.
  • CH3Cl - Methyl chloride is a primary alkyl halide. It is highly reactive in SN2 reactions, leading to complete inversion of configuration when a nucleophile attacks.
  • (C2H5)2CHCl - This is a secondary alkyl halide (sec-butyl chloride). Similar to isopropyl chloride, it can undergo SN2 reactions, but the reaction rate is slower due to steric hindrance.
  • (CH3)3CCl - Tert-butyl chloride is a tertiary alkyl halide. Tertiary substrates do not undergo SN2 reactions because the steric hindrance around the carbon atom prevents the nucleophile from effectively attacking.

Identifying the Correct Compound

From this analysis, we can see that:

Conclusion

Therefore, the organic chloro compound that shows complete stereochemical inversion during an SN2 reaction is CH3Cl (methyl chloride). This compound's structure allows for an unhindered attack by the nucleophile, leading to a straightforward inversion of configuration.