Sn1 Sn2 E1 and E2 reactions?

Question

Hello everyone!

I am really struggling with the above 4 reaction types. I am just looking for some information to help differentiate between them when i am given a reaction and asked to determine which of the reaction mechanisms it undergoes.

any insight into this would be greatly appreciated!!!

Answer 1

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?...

it says it better than i could... GOOD LUCK! (Organic is tough but you'll make it!!)

Answer 2

S is substitution.  N is nucleophyllic.  E is elimination.

SN1... generally involves 1 molecule dissociating into a carbocation and another ion, then another species attaching to the carbocation to stabilize the carbon.

SN2... generally involves another ion or free radical attaching to the carbon followed by a group leaving the carbon

E1... competes with SN1... 1 molecule dissociates into a carbocation.  then a proton leaves the carbocation molecule to stabilize the carbon (as opposed to another group attaching to the carbon)

E2... competes with SN2...two species leave at the same time.  usually the C-C bond then becomes a double bond.

check out the wikipedia links.  they are "ok" for this topic and they give a couple of examples.