Question

Explain why the following primary substrate undergoes SN1 very rapidly (the OTs is the leaving group)? @photon336

Answer 1

are you familiar with an SN1 reaction?

Answer 2

To start off:

S = Substitution N means nucleophile 1 means uni molecular.

it's just a fancy way of saying this.

In an SN1 reaction depends on how fast our Leaving group can leave.,

so the leaving group LG will leave and the nucleophile will add into the molecule.

Now SN1 depends on how fast the LG can leave, this depends on two things.

1. The type of leaving group
2. The carbocation intermediate.

Follow so far?

Answer 3

yes, I am following

Answer 4

Ok great.

Answer 5

now, remember good leaving groups can hold negative charge,

Answer 6

@summersnow8 this is what OTS means, see this molecule?

now a good leaving group will be able to stabilize negative charge, and will want to leave.