| Factors affecting the Reaction mechanisms |
| 1. Nucleophiles |
| A nucleophile is a reagent with electron density to donate. This electron density, in the form of a negative charge or a lone pair of electons, seeks a postive center with which to react. |
| The carbon – halogen bond is polarized due to the high electronegativity of halides. This leaves the carbon susceptible to nucleophilic attack. |
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| Nucleophiles : Nucleophilic strength |
| 1.When considering the same atom only: |
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| Note: This implies that a negatively charged atom will always be a stronger nucleophile than the corresponding neutral molecule. |
| 2.The larger the atom associated with forming the new bond, the better the nucleophile. |
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| The strength of a nucleophile has to do with how quickly it reacts with the substrate. |
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