Substitution reactions replace one atom or group with another from "summary" of Organic Chemistry by John E. McMurry
Substitution reactions involve the replacement of one atom or group with another. This type of reaction is common in organic chemistry, where a new atom or group takes the place of an existing one in a molecule. Substitution reactions can occur through various mechanisms, such as nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic substitution, or radical substitution. Nucleophilic substitution reactions involve the attack of a nucleophile on an electrophilic center in a molecule, resulting in the replacement of one group with another. For example, in a nucleophilic substitution reaction, a nucleophile may replace a leaving group on a carbon atom, leading to the formation of a new compound with a different substituent. Electrophilic substitution reactions, on the other hand, involve the attack of an electrophile on a nucleophilic center in a molecule, resulting in the substitution of one group with another. In electrophilic substitution reactions, an electrophile may replace a hydrogen atom on a benzene ring, leading to the formation of a substituted benzene compound. Radical substitution reactions involve the attack of a radical species on a molecule, resulting in the replacement of one group with another. In radical substitution reactions, a radical may replace a halogen atom in a molecule, leading to the formation of a new compound with a different substituent.- Substitution reactions play a crucial role in organic chemistry, allowing for the modification of molecules by replacing one atom or group with another. Understanding the mechanisms and principles behind substitution reactions is essential for predicting and controlling the outcome of these reactions in organic synthesis.
