[snoopy396]

YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

[Dan]

What is generally faster, an intermolecular reaction or an intramolecular reaction?

[snoopy396]

I understand intramolecular rxns are generally faster I would like some feed back if both mechanisms are possible and yield the same product thank you

[kriggy]

If intramolecular reactions are faster, do you think the di-bromo compound will be formed before the intermolecular atack occurs?

[orgopete]

I understand intramolecular rxns are generally faster I would like some feed back if both mechanisms are possible and yield the same product thank you

Possible? Sure, but...


An element in understanding chemistry are collisions. When the kinetics of SN2 reactions are determined, concentration is a major factor. Doubling the concentrations doubles the rate. If one is comparing intra v intermolecular reactions, the proximity of an intramolecular interaction will be inherently greater. Certainly unproductive orientations may enable an intermolecular reaction to compete. However, when two mechanisms can lead to the same product, especially with very similar mechanisms, it would be very difficult to determine or exclude one or the other completely. If the choice were anion v cationic or ionic v radical, this would be easier to determine.

[TheMantis]

I see a problem with mechanism 1.  Review your chapters on alkyl halides and elimination recations and tell yourself why it wouldn't work.