MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #575

During the concerted SN2 mechanism, the central carbon atom passes through a high-energy transition state. What is the hybridization of carbon in this transition state?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #575

  1. Question 1

    Q1. During the concerted SN2 mechanism, the central carbon atom passes through a high-energy transition state. What is the hybridization of carbon in this transition state?

    • A) sp3 hybridized
    • B) sp hybridized
    • C) sp2 hybridized
    • D) Unhybridized

    Answer: sp2 hybridized

    Explanation: In the SN2 transition state, the carbon is sp2 hybridized with a p-orbital. sp3 is tempting but it describes the reactant and product geometry.