Rate of Nucleophilic Substitution
AQA A-Level Chemistry
3.3.3
Having explored how nucleophilic substitution reactions occur, we can now investigate how the halogen present affects their rate of reaction. This builds on the test for halide ions by using the formation of silver halide precipitates to investigate the reactivity of halogenoalkanes. We can then build on this understanding as we explore elimination reactions and the factors that determine which reaction pathway occurs.
In this topic you will:
- Understand how the strength and bond enthalpy of the carbon–halogen bond affects the rate of nucleophilic substitution.
- Understand how to investigate the rate of nucleophilic substitution reactions and therefore the rate of reactivity of halogenoalkanes.
- Explain the results of the investigation, including the formation and colours of silver halide precipitates.
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