SN2 and Walden Inversion: A reaction that geometry makes 'impossible'
Why must SN2 attack from the back? Why is the trigonal bipyramidal TS inevitable? A geometric reading of Walden's 1896 experiment + α-lactone NGP mechanism.
SN2 and Walden Inversion: A reaction that geometry makes ‘impossible’
English translation in progress. The Chinese version is the authoritative source. 中文版正文已发布，英文翻译进行中。
In the meantime:
- Read the Chinese version at the Chinese episode page.
- Watch the YouTube episode (English subtitles included).
- Get notified when the English essay is published — RSS feed is at
/rss.xml.
Abstract
Why must SN2 attack from the back? Why is the trigonal bipyramidal TS inevitable? A geometric reading of Walden’s 1896 experiment + α-lactone NGP mechanism.
The full English essay will mirror the 10-section structure of the Chinese original: framing, history (Walden 1896 for Episode 01), bimolecular kinetics, orbital geometry of backside attack, trigonal bipyramidal transition state, umbrella inversion, stereochemical consequences with worked examples, biology (SAM methylation, MGMT DNA repair, thalidomide), the NGP reading of Walden’s cycle, and a closing comparison setting up the next episode.
Estimated publication: within two weeks of the Chinese version.