Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions. Modern Ideas About the Mechanism and Reactivity

The mechanism of S_N2 reactions is discussed on the basis of gas-phase experimental data and quantum-chemical calculations: the energy relations, stereochemistry, and the form of the potential energy surface. The results of modern kinetic measurements and calculations are presented. The experimental data for the reactions in solution are discussed at the level of qualitative quantum-chemical concepts. The causes of the strong influence of the solvent on the kinetics of these reactions are analysed and the empirical correlations between the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics and the link between the correlations and modern theoretical ideas are examined.
The bibliography includes 134 references.