Lecture Notes on S_N1 Reactions












In S_N1 reactions, polar solvents stabilize the developing charges via solvation, lowering the activation energy. In S_N2 reactions, effects of solvent polarity isn't as significant. Polar protic solvents do not greatly enhance the reaction rate because they solvate the nucleophile. Polar aprotic solvents do cause some enhancement due to stabilization of the transition state.

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Last Modified January 09, 1998