SN2
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry
| Stands for | Bimolecular nucleophilic substitution |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
SN2 stands for Bimolecular nucleophilic substitution, a chemistry abbreviation.
One-step organic reaction in which a nucleophile attacks a carbon from the side opposite the leaving group, flipping the stereocenter like an umbrella in the wind. Rates depend on both nucleophile and substrate, so SN2 works best with methyl and primary substrates in polar aprotic solvents such as DMSO or acetone.
Example: Treating (R)-2-bromobutane with sodium iodide in acetone gives (S)-2-iodobutane by SN2.
Usage notes
The stereochemical flip is called Walden inversion, after Paul Walden, who observed it in 1896. Bulky groups around the reacting carbon block backside attack, which is why tertiary halides essentially do not react this way. Students often compare SN1, SN2, E1 and E2 in a single decision chart.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- RT – Room temperature
- RTP – Room temperature and pressure
- SATP – Standard ambient temperature and pressure
- SDS – Safety data sheet
- SLS – Sodium lauryl sulfate
- SN1 – Unimolecular nucleophilic substitution
- STP – Standard temperature and pressure
- TFA – Trifluoroacetic acid
- TGA – Thermogravimetric analysis
- THF – Tetrahydrofuran
- TLC – Thin-layer chromatography
- TMS – Tetramethylsilane