Question

Alkyl halides undergoing nucleophilic bimolecular substitution reaction involve:

• A. retention of configuration
• B. formation of racemic mixture
• C. inversion of configuration
• D. formation of carbocation

Hint:

In SN2 reactions, the configuration of the carbon center is inverted due to backside attack by the nucleophile.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To solve this question, we need to understand the nature of nucleophilic bimolecular substitution reactions (S_N2) involving alkyl halides.

1. Understanding the S_N2 Mechanism:
In the S_N2 mechanism, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom bonded to the leaving group from the opposite side of the leaving group. This results in the simultaneous displacement of the leaving group and the formation of a new bond with the nucleophile.

2. Inversion of Configuration:
During the attack by the nucleophile, there is a backside attack on the carbon. This causes the configuration at the chiral center to invert, meaning that if the molecule was initially in the "R" configuration, it will now be in the "S" configuration, and vice versa.

3. Conclusion:
Alkyl halides undergoing nucleophilic bimolecular substitution reactions (S_N2) involve an inversion of configuration at the carbon center that is undergoing substitution.

Final Answer:
The correct option is (C) inversion of configuration.