Which of the following mechanisms feature carbocation intermediates: SN1 only, SN2 only, E1 only, E2 only or both SN1 and E1?

1 Answer
May 20, 2015

Both "S"_"N"1SN1 and "E1"E1 reactions feature carbocation intermediates.

The first step in both reactions is the same: departure of the leaving group to form an intermediate carbocation.

This is the rate determining step. It is a unimolecular reaction, and that accounts for the "11" in the names "S"_"N"1SN1 and "E1"E1.

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"S"_"N"1 "SN1 Reaction

If the nucleophile attacks and bonds to the cationic carbon atom, we have a nucleophilic substitution ("S"_"N"SN) reaction.

"E"1E1Reaction

If, instead, a base attacks the β hydrogen to form an alkene, we have an elimination ("E1"E1) reaction.