What is Sn2? Important knowledge about Sn2.

Note: Sn₂ is not a specific chemical substance. Instead, Sn₂ is a term used to describe a type of chemical reaction called “bimolecular nucleophilic substitution”.

1. Definition of Sn₂

   • The name “Sn₂” is an abbreviation for the English words “Substitution nucleophilic bimolecular”, which means “bimolecular nucleophilic substitution”. In an Sn₂ reaction, a nucleophile attacks an organic compound, replacing a group out of that compound.

2. Properties of Sn₂ reaction

   • The properties of the Sn₂ reaction depend on the chemicals involved in the reaction. However, there are some common properties of the Sn₂ reaction: this reaction occurs in a single step, meaning all chemicals participate in the reaction at the same time. Additionally, Sn₂ reactions usually occur in polar aprotic solvents, which are solvents with a high degree of polarity but do not have a hydrogen atom via hydrogen bonding.

3. Common chemical equations of Sn₂ reaction

   • In an Sn₂ reaction, a nucleophile attacks an organic compound, replacing a group out of that compound. A typical example of an Sn₂ reaction is the reaction between bromoethane (CH₃Br) and hydroxide ion (OH-):
     CH₃Br + OH- -> CH₃OH + Br-

4. Preparation of Sn₂: Since Sn₂ is not a specific chemical substance, it cannot be prepared. However, Sn₂ reactions can be performed in the laboratory or on an industrial scale by stimulating the interaction between the nucleophile and the organic compound.