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Problem :

Predict the absolute stereochemical configuration for the product of this single SN2 attack:

It's not necessary to determine the absolute configuration of the molecule before SN2 attack, but I've included it for clarity's sake.

The small numbers one through four refer to the CIP** priorities of the branches.

After SN2 substitution, the molecule has the following conformation:

Attack has occurred with inversion of configuration, and the absolute configuration has changed from "R" to "S."

Problem : Draw the transition state of the following SN2 reaction (from problem #1):

Problem :

Given the steric and molecular orbital explanations for backside attack, explain why the following SN2 reaction does not occur.

The nucleophile, tert-butoxide, must get to the σ C-Br antibond for an SN2 reaction to occur. The path to the antibond is blocked by the bulky tert-butyl groups attached to the stereocenter. The nucleophile also has a bulky ter-butyl tail. It cannot reach the antibond due to steric clash with the tert-butyl groups. This effect is explained in the $\mbox{S}_{\mbox{N}}2 \mbox{ vs. E}_2$ section of this SparkNote.

Problem : Will molecule A or B undergo a faster SN2 reaction?

A will undergo a faster SN2 reaction. A has a more stable SN2 transition state because the partial negative charge on the α-carbon will be hyperconjugated** into the ring's Π electron system.

More stable transition states translate into faster reactions. Thus A is faster than B.

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