Question

When comparing the reaction rates for the SN2 substitution of two alkyl halides, the more hindered substrate will undergo substitution _________ (correct answer is "faster" or "more slowly") than the less substituted substrate.

Answer 1

The more hindered subtrate will undergo substitution more slowly than the less substituted substrate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The SN2 substitution reaction rate is affected by four factors:

1. The substrate. The more substituted the substrate, the slower the reaction.
2. The nucleophile. The stronger the nucleophile the faster the reaction.
3. The solvent. Polar aprotic solvents do not hinder the reaction, as opposed to polar protic solvents.
4. The leaving group. The better the leaving group (stability and bond strength), the faster the reaction.