Q: What is the rate law for an SN2 reaction?

$$\text{rate} = k[\text{substrate}][\text{nucleophile}]$$

Q: Which of the following is the correct formula for the rate law of a second-order reaction?

$$\text{rate} = k[\text{A}][\text{B}]$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the stereochemical outcome of an SN2 reaction at a chiral carbon center?

Accepted Answer

100\% inversion of configuration

Question 2

What is the rate law for an SN2 reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{rate} = k[	ext{substrate}][	ext{nucleophile}]$$

Question 3

Which solvent type is most favorable for SN2 reactions?

Accepted Answer

Polar aprotic solvents

Question 4

A molecule with four different substituents around a carbon atom is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Chiral

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT possible in an SN2 reaction mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Carbocation rearrangement

Question 6

What is the effect of increasing the concentration of the nucleophile in an SN2 reaction?

Accepted Answer

Increases the rate

Question 7

Which of the following statements about racemic mixtures is correct?

Accepted Answer

They contain equal amounts of two enantiomers

Question 8

Which of the following is a criterion for a molecule to be chiral?

Accepted Answer

It must have four different substituents around a carbon center

Question 9

What is the expected optical activity of a racemic mixture?

Accepted Answer

It is optically inactive

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between two molecules that are mirror images but not superimposable?

Accepted Answer

Enantiomers

Question 11

Which of the following is a method used to separate enantiomers?

Accepted Answer

Chiral column chromatography

Question 12

What is the formula for calculating the degree of unsaturation (IHD) for a compound with molecular formula $$\mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_m\mathrm{N}_p\mathrm{Cl}_q$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{2n + 2 - m + p}{2}$$

Question 13

Which of the following is true about the optical rotation of a pure enantiomer?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the concentration and path length

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of a meso compound?

Accepted Answer

It has an internal plane of symmetry

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a method for determining the configuration of a chiral center?

Accepted Answer

Simple distillation

Question 16

In the propagation step of a free radical halogenation reaction, which species is generated?

Accepted Answer

Free radical

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct formula for the rate law of a second-order reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{rate} = k[	ext{A}][	ext{B}]$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a requirement for a nucleophile in an SN2 reaction?

Accepted Answer

It must be strong

Question 19

Which of the following is true about diastereomers?

Accepted Answer

They have different physical properties

Organic Chemistry Exam II Study Guidance – Spring 2026

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