SN1 mechanism

The SN1 mechanism is a way some chemical reactions happen when a molecule loses a leaving group, creating a positively charged intermediate called a carbocation. This intermediate then quickly reacts with a nucleophile (an atom or molecule that donates electrons) to form a new compound. The process happens in two steps: first, the leaving group departs, and then the nucleophile bonds to the carbocation. SN1 reactions are influenced by the stability of the carbocation and tend to occur more in crowded, stable environments. They are characteristic of molecules with groups that can stabilize positive charges, leading to a relatively slow but selective reaction.