Question

Rank the SN2 reaction rate of the following species, from fastest to slowest.

CH3CH2OH
CH3CH2I
CH3CH2Cl

Answer 1

CH3CH2OH fastest
CH3CH2CI fast
CH3CH2I slowest
i believe

Answer 2

Answer:

CH₃CH₂I >  CH₃CH₂Cl > CH₃CH₂OH

Explanation:

SN₂ reaction -

It is the nucleophilic reaction bimolecular , where the nucleophile replaces the leaving group present in the reaction , this is a one step reaction .

The rate of the reaction depends on -

• how good is the leaving group , as a good leaving group will immediately leave and the nucleophile can readily attack to form the product .

• how strong is the nucleophile , as the stronger nucleophile can efficiently attack replaces the leaving group to form the product .

From the question ,

I is the best leaving group , then is Cl and least is OH .

Hence ,

The fastest to slowest rate of reaction is as follows -

CH₃CH₂I >  CH₃CH₂Cl > CH₃CH₂OH