Chemistry - Organic Chemistry - Reactions - Substitution reactions (SN1 and SN2) - SN1 vs SN2 Mechanism

Side-by-side animation of both mechanisms. LEFT (SN2 - one step): Nucleophile approaches the BACK of the electrophilic carbon (backside attack). Transition state: Nu---C---LG (pentacoordinate). Leaving group departs simultaneously. INVERSION of configuration (like an umbrella flipping in wind). Rate