Sn1 reaction
Reminder: These notes are meant to supplement, not replace the laboratory manual.
SN1 Reaction Notes
Background and Application
Substitution Nucleophilic First Order (SN1) reactions are one of the most common type of organic reactions. SN1 reactions can be used to make a wide variety of new compounds. In this experiment, t-amyl alcohol will be converted by a SN1 mechanism to 2-chloro-2-methylbutane.
Safety Precautions
Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid is 12M. It will cause visible destruction of tissue upon contact. Wear eye goggles at all times during this experiment. Keep HCl away from skin, clothes, eyes. Neutralize any spilled HCl with sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) and wipe up immediately.
Gasses will be released when sodium bicarbonate is added to your separatory funnel.
Do not stopper funnel after the addition of sodium bicarbonate solution. Vent separatory funnel frequently while shaking. Do not vent sep funnel toward another person or yourself. Liquids may spray out while venting.
Chlorinated hydrocarbons tend to be toxic materials. The target organs are the liver and kidneys. Be careful not to breathe product or get on skin.
1. Some terminology related to SN1 Reactions:
Synthesis: A reaction which results in the formation of a new product.
Mechanism: A step by step description of bond breaking and bond breaking as one compound is transformed into another compound.
Leaving Group: This is the part of a molecule which may break away, taking the electrons from the bond with it. The more stable the leaving group as an independent assemblage, the more readily it will depart the molecule.
Carbocation: A carbon with only 6 shared valence shell electrons. A full positive charge resides on the carbon. Carbocations are electrophiles.
Nucleophile: An atom or assemblage of atoms which will donate electrons to form a new covalent bond. Strong nucleophiles are strong Lewis bases.
Electrophile: An atom which will accept electrons and form a
SN1 Reaction Notes
Background and Application
Substitution Nucleophilic First Order (SN1) reactions are one of the most common type of organic reactions. SN1 reactions can be used to make a wide variety of new compounds. In this experiment, t-amyl alcohol will be converted by a SN1 mechanism to 2-chloro-2-methylbutane.
Safety Precautions
Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid is 12M. It will cause visible destruction of tissue upon contact. Wear eye goggles at all times during this experiment. Keep HCl away from skin, clothes, eyes. Neutralize any spilled HCl with sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) and wipe up immediately.
Gasses will be released when sodium bicarbonate is added to your separatory funnel.
Do not stopper funnel after the addition of sodium bicarbonate solution. Vent separatory funnel frequently while shaking. Do not vent sep funnel toward another person or yourself. Liquids may spray out while venting.
Chlorinated hydrocarbons tend to be toxic materials. The target organs are the liver and kidneys. Be careful not to breathe product or get on skin.
1. Some terminology related to SN1 Reactions:
Synthesis: A reaction which results in the formation of a new product.
Mechanism: A step by step description of bond breaking and bond breaking as one compound is transformed into another compound.
Leaving Group: This is the part of a molecule which may break away, taking the electrons from the bond with it. The more stable the leaving group as an independent assemblage, the more readily it will depart the molecule.
Carbocation: A carbon with only 6 shared valence shell electrons. A full positive charge resides on the carbon. Carbocations are electrophiles.
Nucleophile: An atom or assemblage of atoms which will donate electrons to form a new covalent bond. Strong nucleophiles are strong Lewis bases.
Electrophile: An atom which will accept electrons and form a