Question

The rate constant of an SN1 reaction depends on the nucleophile b. The rate constant of an SN2 reaction does not depend on the nucleophile c. SN1 reactions proceed via carbocation intermediates d. The SN2 mechanism does not involve an intermediate

Answer 1

The rate constant of an SN1 reaction depends on the nucleophile

The rate constant of an SN2 reaction does not depend on the nucleophile

Step-by-step explanation:

Let us recall that in an SN1 reaction, the rate determining step involves only the alkyl halide substrate and not the nucleophile. Hence;

Rate = k[RX]

Therefore;

k= Rate/[RX]

For an SN2 reaction, the rate determining step involves both the nucleophile and the alkyl halide substrate.

Hence;

Rate = k[Nu-] [RX]

k= Rate/[Nu-] [RX]

Note that;

[Nu-] = concentration of the nucleophile

[RX] =concentration of alkyl halide substrate

k= rate constant

We can see from the above derivations that;

1) The rate constant of an SN1 reaction does not depend on the nucleophile

2) The rate constant of an SN2 reaction depends on the nucleophile