It may not necessarily be a"backside" attack for nucleophilic substitutions

82 years ago, British chemists Edward Hughes and Christopher Ingold discovered the underlying mechanism for nucleophilic attacks. Subsequent generations of chemists have also confirmed the Sɴ2 mechanism to be one of a "backside attack" where the nucleophile attaches itself to the organic molecule from the opposite side of the leaving group. This has been a widely accepted understanding in the study of organic chemistry.

However, a surprising new variant, a "frontside attack" has been found by a group of research scientists in Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

Don't believe how this could happen? Head over to this site to read more about the discovery and be prepared to watch how it may upend the world of study in organic chemistry!