Steps to decide if a reaction will primarily proceed as SN/E1/E2???

[Gauss44]

Please share which steps you take to determine whether an SN mechanism, E1 mechanism, or an E2 mechanism will take place. Concise is better. Thank you!

(No need to explain the difference between SN1 and SN1. I find that much easy.)

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[NextStepTutor_1]

Electrophilic carbon is:
- Primary = Sn2
- Tertiary = Sn1

Secondary electrophilic carbon?
Go to analysis of: Nucleophile + Environment
- Good, small nucleophile + polar, aprotic conditions = Sn2
- Bulky, weak nucleophile + polar, protic conditions = Sn1

Heat?
Elimination occurs instead of Substitution
- E1 if the same criteria as Sn1 is met
- E2 if the same criteria as Sn2 is met


Hope this helps some!



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