Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
We cover the complete mechanism for SN2 in organic chemistry step-by-step, showing exactly how a nucleophile attacks an electrophile, how the leaving group departs, and why the whole process leads to steric inversion. Using clear diagrams and curved arrows, we'll walk through how to predict products, avoid common mistakes, and decide when SN2 CAN'T happen.
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🧬If you need a refresher on chirality for mechanisms to make sense, start here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMupOdw1Wgy8YauiQ40J_5nx
⚗️For all of my ochem videos in one place: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMuKRkW9gDV7vlAk4Y9WRU7c
🥼If you need to take the MCAT: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMuJZI5IVWO8X0syBANn-YqY
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0:00 Bimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions
0:32 Bimolecular, Unimolecular, Concerted
1:12 SN2 Generic Pattern
3:46 Achiral Easier Example of SN2
6:16 Chiral Complex Example of SN2
7:46 Transition State of Chiral Example
9:13 Structures Showing Steric Inversion / Backside Attack
10:45 Backside Attack (Simple Explanation)
10:59 Backside Attack (Molecular Orbital Theory Explanation)
11:44 When SN2 CAN'T happen
12:02 Steric Hindrance Around Electrophile
12:52 Steric Hindrance of Nucleophile
13:12 Weaker bases make better leaving groups
13:51 Strongest bases are the best nucleophiles
Citations:
Paula Yurkanis Bruice, "Organic Chemistry" 8th ed
openstax.org/details/books/organic-chemistry
openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e
Music: youtu.be/lL6AsbG07xY
We cover the complete mechanism for SN2 in organic chemistry step-by-step, showing exactly how a nucleophile attacks an electrophile, how the leaving group departs, and why the whole process leads to steric inversion. Using clear diagrams and curved arrows, we'll walk through how to predict products, avoid common mistakes, and decide when SN2 CAN'T happen.
📘Master the Mechanisms! Grab the Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms Survival Guide: payhip.com/b/rYbBp
🧠Full Mechanisms Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMtvqt_IBtezyBX_kk447pxZ
🍵Buy the Professor a tea to keep the videos coming: patreon.com/c/ChemistryinaNutshell
🧬If you need a refresher on chirality for mechanisms to make sense, start here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMupOdw1Wgy8YauiQ40J_5nx
⚗️For all of my ochem videos in one place: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMuKRkW9gDV7vlAk4Y9WRU7c
🥼If you need to take the MCAT: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUW25kBaMMuJZI5IVWO8X0syBANn-YqY
🥽As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
🥼Need a molecular model kit or other chem supplies? amazon.com/shop/chemnut?ccs_id=11f20bce-5f74-427b-85fb-bdf66849405a
🔬Start any shopping journey here: amzn.to/3IXuAcS
0:00 Bimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions
0:32 Bimolecular, Unimolecular, Concerted
1:12 SN2 Generic Pattern
3:46 Achiral Easier Example of SN2
6:16 Chiral Complex Example of SN2
7:46 Transition State of Chiral Example
9:13 Structures Showing Steric Inversion / Backside Attack
10:45 Backside Attack (Simple Explanation)
10:59 Backside Attack (Molecular Orbital Theory Explanation)
11:44 When SN2 CAN'T happen
12:02 Steric Hindrance Around Electrophile
12:52 Steric Hindrance of Nucleophile
13:12 Weaker bases make better leaving groups
13:51 Strongest bases are the best nucleophiles
Citations:
Paula Yurkanis Bruice, "Organic Chemistry" 8th ed
openstax.org/details/books/organic-chemistry
openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e
Music: youtu.be/lL6AsbG07xY
