Back to simulations

Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction: Alkyl halides substrates | Virtual Lab

Higher Education
Health Sciences
Chemistry
Biology
Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction: Alkyl halides substrates
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

About This Simulation

Solve a craft beer conundrum using your substitution smarts to design reactions for a unique range of flavor molecules! Will you help draw in a hip crowd with the new beverage flavors you create in the brew lab?

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate a detailed understanding of nucleophilic substitution reactions, both SN1 and SN2 and explain the difference between them
  • Draw the mechanisms of both the SN1 and SN2 nucleophilic substitution reactions
  • Describe the variables in substitution reactions and the effects of changing substrate (steric effects), solvent, nucleophile, and leaving group
  • Consider the stereochemistry of the product to determine the likely reaction mechanism
  • Describe the reactive properties of the alkyl halide group

About This Simulation

Level:
Higher Education
Length:
39
Min
Accessibility Mode:
Available
Languages:
English

Lab Techniques

  • Retrosynthesis
  • Reaction energy diagrams
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Related Standards

University:
NGSS:
  • Alignment pending
AP:
  • Alignment pending
LB:
  • Alignment pending
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Learn More About This Simulation

If reactions were flavors - substitution would be tutti-frutti! In this simulation, you will explore the factors that affect substitution reactions and learn how to promote different mechanisms of substitution. Put your substitution expertise to the test by using retrosynthesis and reaction design principles to create an assortment of aroma molecules in developing exciting new beverage flavors for a craft brewery!

Flavor chemistry saves the day

Help Corey the microbrewery barista attract more customers by designing flavor molecules in the brew lab. You will get hands-on in learning about substitution - getting immersed in the mechanisms, exploring the factors that affect different types of substitution and how it relates to changes in reaction energy profiles. In order to design their own substitution reactions, you will first develop their theoretical and mechanistic understanding and apply this to practical experimental design.

Exploring substitution mechanisms

Interact with both SN2 and SN1 reactions at a molecular level with our 3D reaction visualizer. Identify the reactive components in substitution reactions, trigger the reaction and replay or rewind at your leisure to spot the mechanistic differences. Be immersed in the mechanistic principles to help lock in molecular-level reactivity concepts and considerations.

Investigate substitution variable factors

Become acquainted with the factors that can affect substitution - and develop your SN2 versus SN1 prediction skills. Investigate why the selection of solvent, leaving groups and substrate size can either promote or prevent substitution. You’ll get to know superstar substrates - the alkyl halides - and their reactivity preferences in substitution reactions. Delving into reaction energy diagrams along the way, you’ll probe and predict the effect of changing these factors to find the energetically most favorable reaction conditions.

Substitution: synthesis design!

To successfully complete the mission, you’ll select the necessary chemical ingredients to synthesize five flavor molecules using substitution. Can you mix and match alkyl halides, nucleophiles and solvents to come up with the perfect recipe for each unique flavor?

Experience Labster for Yourself

Boost Learning with Fun

75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster

Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus

Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content

Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists

Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios

a group of people standing around a laptop computer

For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage

Professor Margaret Brady was able to enhance student learning with A&P virtual labs.
Margaret Brady
Associate Professor
North Dakota State College of Science

“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”

Lewis Mattin
PhD
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster

"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.

Melody McGill
Curriculum Coordinator
Modesto City Schools

"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."

user
Kyle Hammon
Adjunct Instructor
Wenatchee Valley College

"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”

Dr. Melody Esfandiari
Chemistry Lecturer
San José State University

"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."

a man in a black sweater and white shirt
Dr. Stuart Goodall
Lecturer
Northumbria University

“The Labster simulations get students to do things, and they're not just sitting there consuming a webinar where their mind can drift. They become an active participant in that learning experience.”

UCL logo with bold black 'UCL' letters.
02_logo-of-case-western-reserve-university
Logo of the University of Texas at Arlington, featuring a bold orange 'A' with a blue outline and a white star in the middle, symbolizing Texas.
University of Alabama logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
Virginia's Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
University Imperial logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
UTSA logo
University of North Charlotte logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Washington logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
ETH Zurich logo featuring a sleek and modern design with the university name.
SUNY logo
University of Florida logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
University of Stevens logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Kansas logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
Florida State University logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
16_logo-of-university-of-tennessee
17_logo-of-university-of-tulane-university
University of California Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
Johns Hopkins logo
University of Skovde logo

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

How do students access Labster?

Labster can be integrated within a school's LMS (Learning Management System), and students can access it like any other assignment in their LMS. If your Institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log in to Labster's Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide the access method during the sales process.

How is Labster purchased?

Labster is only available for purchase by faculty and administration at academic institutions. To procure Labster, simply reach out to us on our website. Schedule a demo, book a meeting to discuss pricing, start a free trial, or simply fill out our contact form.

How is Labster different from other learning solutions?

Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.

What types of courses does Labster support?

Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.