First-order reaction

Definition

A first-order reaction in organic chemistry, specifically within the context of reactions of alkyl halides and nucleophilic substitutions and eliminations, is a chemical reaction whose rate depends on the concentration of only one reactant. These reactions have a rate constant that directly correlates with the lifespan of the reactive species involved, making their kinetics simple to analyze.

Related terms

Rate Constant:

The proportionality constant in the rate equation that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentrations of its reactants.

Nucleophilic Substitution (SN1 Reaction): A type of chemical reaction where a nucleophile selectively bonds with or attacks the positive charge of an atom or a group within a molecule.

Alkyl Halide:

Organic compounds containing halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) bonded to an alkyl group, often involved in nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions