Which of the following is a correct feature of the SN^2 mechanism?

MHT CET 2026 Chemistry question

Which of the following is a correct feature of the mechanism?

(A)The mechanism proceeds mainly with racemization.
(B)The mechanism includes a transition state with penta coordinating carbon.Correct
(C)The mechanism involves formation of planar carbocation intermediate in the first step.
(D)The mechanism involves formation of carbocation with hybridized carbon.

Answer: (B)

Solution

is a single-step, concerted bimolecular reaction: the nucleophile attacks the carbon from the side opposite to the leaving group while the leaving group departs. In the transition state the carbon is partially bonded to both the nucleophile and the leaving group, i.e. it is penta-coordinate

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Question ID VK-098491