Nucleophilic Substitution

Nucleophilic substitution is a chemical process where a molecule with a specific atom or group (called a leaving group) is replaced by a nucleophile, which is a species rich in electrons. Imagine the original molecule as a structure with a door (the leaving group). The nucleophile is like a visitor with a key that opens this door, replacing the original occupant. This reaction occurs when the nucleophile attacks the molecule’s positively charged or electron-deficient area, leading to the departure of the leaving group and formation of a new compound. It’s a fundamental mechanism in organic chemistry for forming or modifying molecules.