| Stability | Atoms and molecules do not actually go out to form and break bonds with each other. All actions are a part of electronic attractions to form a more stable product. |
| Nucleophile | An atom or group of atoms that is attracted to a positive charge or nucleus. Typically negatively charged. |
| Electrophile | An atom or group of atoms that is attracted to a negative charge, or electrons. Typically positively charged. |
| Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction (Sn reaction) |
A reaction where a nucleophile attached to a carbon is replaced with a different nucleophile. |
| Unimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction (Sn1) | A reaction where the rate determining step for the reaction consists of only one substance. The first step of an Sn1 reaction is the departure of the leaving group. |
| Leaving Group | A nucleophile that leaves the central carbon atom. Leaving groups are typically stable atoms or groups. |
| Carbocation | A carbon atom with a positive charge. Carbocatoins are formed after the departure of a leaving group. |
| Substituent | An atom or group of atoms (not a hydrogen) that is attached to a central carbon atom. When one substituent is attached to a carbon, the carbon is called a primary carbon. When two substituents are attached, the carbon is secondary, and when three substituents are attached the carbon is tertiary. |
| Hyperconjugation | The distribution of charge throughout a larger area without active sharing of charge. Example: you have a certain amount of water and two pans of different sizes. A large pan can hold the water better than a smaller pan because the water has more space to spread out. |
| Carbocation Stability | Because of hyperconjugation, tertiary carbocations are more stable than secondary, which are more stable to primary. |
| Resonance | Active sharing of charge. |
| Bimolecular Nucleophilic Subsitution Reaction (Sn2) | A reaction where the rate determining step for the reaction consists of two substances. An Sn2 reaction consists of a backside attack, resulting in a transition state where two nucleophiles are bonded to the central carbon atom, and then a kicking off of the leaving group. |
| Rearrangement | An atom or group attached to a carbon adjacent to the carbocation shifts to become attached to the carbocation. |
| Nucleophilic Attack | A nucleophile attacks the carbocation, forming a bond between the two of them. |