Answer: (R)-2-butanol due to inversion of configuration.
- A (R)-2-butanol due to inversion of configuration
- B (S)-2-butanol with retention of configuration at the stereocentre
- C A fully racemic mixture of (R)- and (S)-2-butanol
- D A mixture of butene isomers formed via E2 elimination instead
Correct answer: A. (R)-2-butanol due to inversion of configuration
Explanation: SN2 proceeds with inversion (Walden inversion) at the chiral centre. (S)-2-bromobutane → (R)-2-butanol. The configuration inverts.
SN2 proceeds in a single step with backside attack and inversion of configuration, while SN1 forms a planar carbocation intermediate first, leading to racemisation.
Concept context
Study carbon-halogen compounds: how they are made, how they react via SN1/SN2 and elimination, their stereochemistry, and their environmental impact.