SN1/SN2/E1/E2: Don't Guess, *Know* Which Mechanism!

What mechanism is going to happen? You'll know by the end of this video! A flow chart for deciding between SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 mechanisms is explained. The ultimate decision matrix for discerning which reaction pathway prevails under various conditions! Download the Flow Chart: https://www.patreon.com/posts/sn2-sn1... 🍵Buy the Professor a tea to keep the videos coming:   / chemistryinanutshell   Related Units: If you're studying organic chemistry reaction mechanisms, watch this:    • Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry: ...   If you need a refresher on chirality for mechanisms to make sense, start here:    • Chirality & Stereochemistry Full Unit (R/S...   For all of my ochem videos in one place:    • Organic Chemistry: Full Video Library   If you need to take the MCAT:    • MCAT Chemistry Review: General & Organic C...   Tactical Gear for 3D Vision: My specific wooden model set is now classified as "vintage," but the following modern kits are the current standard for mastering 3D reality: • The Student Essential: (High-quality, 54 atoms, optimized for the basics) - https://amzn.to/4ctdpLc • The Student Expansion Pack: (72 atoms for complex stereochemistry and advanced mechanisms) - https://amzn.to/429eenH 🔬As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Start any shopping journey here: https://amzn.to/3IXuAcS 0:00 The Big Question: SN1, SN2, E1, or E2? 0:39 SN1 and E1: The Carbo-cation Common Ground 1:20 Carbocation Stability (Tertiary vs. Secondary) 2:06 SN1: Nucleophilic Substitution Mechanism 2:33 E1: Beta-Elimination Mechanism 3:16 The Temperature Trick: Heat vs. Room Temp 3:45 SN2: The Famous Backside Attack & Inversion 5:23 E2: Strong Base Mechanism 6:34 E2 Conditions: Tertiary, Secondary, and Bulky Bases 7:42 The Ultimate Flow Chart (Actionable Steps) 7:56 Rule 1: Methyl Substrates (SN2 Only) 8:34 Rule 2: Primary Substrates (SN2 vs. Bulky Base E2) 9:38 Rule 3: Secondary Substrates (The 4-Way Split) 10:59 Rule 4: Tertiary Substrates (No SN2 Allowed!) 11:38 Practice Problems & Mechanism Identification 11:51 Problem A Walkthrough (Primary + Medium Base) 12:28 Problem B Walkthrough (Secondary + Strong Base) 13:20 Problem C Walkthrough (Tertiary + Weak Nucleophile) 14:10 Final Major Products Revealed Citations: Paula Yurkanis Bruice, "Organic Chemistry" 8th ed https://openstax.org/details/books/or... https://openstax.org/details/books/ch... Music:    • Electron Clouds with a Chance of Swing