Reactions of Alkyl Halides
Substitution Reactions

For each of the substitution reactions on the left, predict the major organic product. Pay particular attention to the regiochemistry and stereochemistry of the reaction.

Click the mouse on the reactant molecule to view the answer;

click on the reagent to briefly review the reaction.

A benzylic alkyl halide will undergo rapid SN2 reaction with an alkoxide to give the corresponding ether. 

























Phenoxide will undergo an SN2 reaction with a primary alkyl halide to give the corresponding ether.
 






























A carboxylate anion will undergo an SN2 reaction with a primary alkyl halide to give the corresponding carboxylate ester.
 































In the presence of excess alkyl halide, ammonia will undergo multiple SN2 reactions to give, sequentially, the primary, the secondary, and the tertiary amines, which will react with one more mole to give the quaternary ammonium salt.
 




























A benzylic alkyl halide will undergo rapid SN2 reaction with an alkoxide to give the corresponding  ether.  
 




























Phenoxide will undergo an SN2 reaction with a primary alkyl halide to give the corresponding ether.
 





























A carboxylate anion will undergo an SN2 reaction with a primary alkyl halide to give the corresponding carboxylate ester.
 






























In the presence of excess alkyl halide, ammonia will undergo multiple SN2 reactions to give, sequentially, the primary, the secondary, and the tertiary amines, which will react with one more mole to give the quaternary ammonium salt.