An SN2 reaction at an asymmetric carbon atom of a dextro alkyl halide ...
In SN2 reaction, inversion of configuration takes place. Since reactant and product are not enantiomers, the sign of the optical rotation may not change, hence a single stereoisomer is obtained.
View all questions of this test
An SN2 reaction at an asymmetric carbon atom of a dextro alkyl halide ...
SN2 reaction at an asymmetric carbon atom of a dextro alkyl halide always gives a single optically active isomer.
Explanation:
SN2 (substitution nucleophilic bimolecular) reactions occur at an asymmetric carbon atom of a dextro alkyl halide, where a nucleophile attacks the carbon atom and replaces the leaving group. The reaction proceeds with inversion of configuration, meaning that the configuration of the product is opposite to that of the starting material.
Since the starting material is dextro (having a positive optical rotation), the product will also be dextro or levorotatory (having a negative optical rotation) depending on the configuration of the product.
However, since the reaction proceeds with inversion of configuration, only one enantiomer will be formed, resulting in a single optically active isomer. This is because the attack of the nucleophile from a particular direction results in the formation of only one enantiomer.
In contrast, an SN1 reaction at an asymmetric carbon atom of a dextro alkyl halide can result in the formation of a racemic mixture (a mixture of equal amounts of both enantiomers) because the carbocation intermediate can be attacked by the nucleophile from either side, resulting in the formation of both enantiomers.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - SN2 reaction at an asymmetric carbon atom of a dextro alkyl halide always gives a single optically active isomer.