CH1012
                                         L1 /   
‹#›
                                         L1 /   
11
SN2 REACTIVITY
The SN2 reaction rate is sensitive to steric hindrance at the reaction centre.
    RCH2-X   >  R2CH-X   >> R3CX
         1o     2o       3o
Decreasing rate
Increasing steric hindrance
Once we arrive at the 3o haloalkanes the
steric hindrance is so great that the second
mechanism SN1 becomes the preferred
route.