2. Which of the following statements about SN2 mechanisms is incorrect? a) The transition state is stable b) The complete mechanism takes place in a single step c) The rate of the reaction depends on the concentration of both reactants d) There is inversion of configuration
Answer: a Explanation: The carbon atoms are concurrently attached to the entering nucleophile and the existing group in the transition state of SN2 processes, and are thus connected to five atoms at the same time. It is impossible to isolate such a geometry since it is unstable.
