MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #684

During the bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) of methyl bromide, the carbon atom in the transition state achieves which specific geometry?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #684

  1. Question 1

    Q1. During the bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) of methyl bromide, the carbon atom in the transition state achieves which specific geometry?

    • A) Tetrahedral
    • B) Planar
    • C) Trigonal bipyramidal
    • D) Octahedral

    Answer: Trigonal bipyramidal

    Explanation: The SN2 transition state involves five groups around carbon in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry; tetrahedral is the starting or ending state.