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Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:

Nucleophilic substitution reactions are of two types; substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) and substitution nucleophilic unimolecular (SN1) depending on molecules taking part in determining the rate of reaction. Reactivity of alkyl halide towards SN1 and SN2 reactions depends on various factors such as steric hindrance, stability of intermediate or transition state and polarity of solvent. SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide or transition state and polarity of solvent, SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide then secondary and then tertiary. This order is reversed in case of SN1 reactions.

Q. Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism because of
 
  • a)
    insolubility
  • b)
    instability
  • c)
    inductive effect
  • d)
    steric hindrance
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:Nucleo...
The repulsion between the alkyl or any other groups present on an carbon atom, if the distance between the two is less than vander waals radius, then it is said to be the steric hindrance. That is the reason why tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism as there is steric hindrance. 
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Most Upvoted Answer
Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:Nucleo...
Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism because of steric hindrance.

Steric hindrance refers to the obstruction of the nucleophile's approach to the carbon atom bearing the leaving group in an alkyl halide. In the case of tertiary alkyl halides, the carbon atom is bonded to three alkyl groups, resulting in a highly branched structure. This branching creates a large number of bulky alkyl groups around the carbon atom, which hinders the approach of the nucleophile.

Explanation:
1. SN2 Mechanism:
- SN2 stands for substitution nucleophilic bimolecular.
- In SN2 reactions, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom bearing the leaving group from the opposite side, leading to a concerted reaction.
- The rate of SN2 reaction is determined by the concentration of both the alkyl halide and the nucleophile.
- Tertiary alkyl halides have a high degree of steric hindrance due to the presence of three bulky alkyl groups around the carbon atom.
- This steric hindrance makes it difficult for the nucleophile to directly attack the carbon atom, as the bulky alkyl groups obstruct its approach.
- As a result, the reaction proceeds slowly or may not occur at all via the SN2 mechanism with tertiary alkyl halides.

2. Steric Hindrance:
- Steric hindrance refers to the repulsive interactions between atoms or groups that hinder the approach of other molecules or groups.
- In the case of tertiary alkyl halides, the three alkyl groups surrounding the carbon atom create severe steric hindrance.
- The bulky alkyl groups occupy a significant amount of space and prevent the nucleophile from effectively approaching the carbon atom.
- The nucleophile needs to approach the carbon atom directly from the backside to successfully replace the leaving group.
- However, the steric hindrance caused by the three alkyl groups makes it challenging for the nucleophile to reach the carbon atom, leading to the inhibition of the SN2 mechanism.

Conclusion:
Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism due to steric hindrance caused by the presence of three bulky alkyl groups around the carbon atom. The hindrance obstructs the approach of the nucleophile, making it difficult for the reaction to occur via the SN2 mechanism.
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Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:Nucleophilic substitution reactions are of two types; substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) and substitution nucleophilic unimolecular (SN1) depending on molecules taking part in determining the rate of reaction. Reactivity of alkyl halide towards SN1 and SN2 reactions depends on various factors such as steric hindrance, stability of intermediate or transition state and polarity of solvent. SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide or transition state and polarity of solvent, SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide then secondary and then tertiary. This order is reversed in case of SN1 reactions.Q. Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism because ofa)insolubilityb)instabilityc)inductive effectd)steric hindranceCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:Nucleophilic substitution reactions are of two types; substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) and substitution nucleophilic unimolecular (SN1) depending on molecules taking part in determining the rate of reaction. Reactivity of alkyl halide towards SN1 and SN2 reactions depends on various factors such as steric hindrance, stability of intermediate or transition state and polarity of solvent. SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide or transition state and polarity of solvent, SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide then secondary and then tertiary. This order is reversed in case of SN1 reactions.Q. Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism because ofa)insolubilityb)instabilityc)inductive effectd)steric hindranceCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 12 2024 is part of Class 12 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 12 exam syllabus. Information about Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:Nucleophilic substitution reactions are of two types; substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) and substitution nucleophilic unimolecular (SN1) depending on molecules taking part in determining the rate of reaction. Reactivity of alkyl halide towards SN1 and SN2 reactions depends on various factors such as steric hindrance, stability of intermediate or transition state and polarity of solvent. SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide or transition state and polarity of solvent, SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide then secondary and then tertiary. This order is reversed in case of SN1 reactions.Q. Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism because ofa)insolubilityb)instabilityc)inductive effectd)steric hindranceCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 12 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:Nucleophilic substitution reactions are of two types; substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) and substitution nucleophilic unimolecular (SN1) depending on molecules taking part in determining the rate of reaction. Reactivity of alkyl halide towards SN1 and SN2 reactions depends on various factors such as steric hindrance, stability of intermediate or transition state and polarity of solvent. SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide or transition state and polarity of solvent, SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide then secondary and then tertiary. This order is reversed in case of SN1 reactions.Q. Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism because ofa)insolubilityb)instabilityc)inductive effectd)steric hindranceCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:Nucleophilic substitution reactions are of two types; substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) and substitution nucleophilic unimolecular (SN1) depending on molecules taking part in determining the rate of reaction. Reactivity of alkyl halide towards SN1 and SN2 reactions depends on various factors such as steric hindrance, stability of intermediate or transition state and polarity of solvent. SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide or transition state and polarity of solvent, SN2 reaction mechanism is favoured mostly by primary alkyl halide then secondary and then tertiary. This order is reversed in case of SN1 reactions.Q. Tertiary alkyl halides are practically inert to substitution by SN2 mechanism because ofa)insolubilityb)instabilityc)inductive effectd)steric hindranceCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 12. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 12 Exam by signing up for free.
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