Question

Which of the following statement best describes the mechanism of the $S_{N}2$ reaction?

• A. Back-side attack with inversion of configuration
• B. Front-side attack with inversion of configuration
• C. Back-side attack with retention of configuration
• D. Front- and back-side attack with racemization

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Back-side attack with inversion of configuration

The following statement best describes the mechanism of the $S_{N}2$ reaction:

"Back-side attack with inversion of configuration."

Nucleophile attacks from the side opposite to that of leaving group. The reaction involves inversion of configuration.