Chemistry A-Level
Nucleophilic substitution mechanism
What Nucleophilic substitution mechanism means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Nucleophilic substitution mechanism
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Nucleophilic substitution mechanism in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A one-step mechanism in which the hydroxide ion's lone pair attacks the δ⁺ carbon bonded to the halogen, and the halogen departs with the bonding electron pair.
Topics that use Nucleophilic substitution mechanism
- Haloalkanes (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Bond strength and reactivity down Group 7
- Carbon–halogen bond enthalpy
- catalytic cycle
- Curly arrow conventions
- Electron-deficient carbon in haloalkanes
- Formation of alcohols from haloalkanes
- Homolytic fission
- Hydrolysis of haloalkanes
Using Nucleophilic substitution mechanism in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Chemistry A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge