Question

Racemization occurs in SN1 mechanism but walden inversion is observed in SN2 mechanism.Justify
Anyone pls answer!!

Answer 1

Explanation:

Racemisation occurs in SN1 reaction because in the transition state of SN1 reaction there is 50:50 percent chances of attack of nucleophile on backside as well as frontside forms inversion as well as retention of configuration in the product. hence racemisation.

whereas inversion observed in SN2 reaction because in SN2 reaction backside attack takes place gives inversion of steriochemistry in the product.