Question

SN1 reactions usually proceed with ________. A) equal amounts of inversion and retention at the center undergoing substitution B) slightly more inversion than retention at the center undergoing substitution C) slightly more retention then inversion at the center undergoing substitution D) complete inversion at the center undergoing substitution E) complete retention at the center undergoing substitution complete retention at the center undergoing substitution slightly more retention then inversion at the center undergoing substitution complete inversion at the center undergoing substitution equal amounts of inversion and retention at the center undergoing substitution slightly more inversion than retention at the center undergoing substitution

Answer 1

equal amounts of inversion and retention at the center undergoing substitution

Step-by-step explanation:

In an SN1 reaction, the rate determining step is the formation of a carbonation which is flat and planar.

This means that both faces of the carbo cation are equally available for attack by the nucleophile.

Attack on either of the faces may occur equally thereby yielding a racemic mixture.