In case of optically active alkyl halides, the product formed as a
result of SN2 mechanism has the inverted configuration as compared
to the reactant This is because the nucleophile attaches itself on the
side opposite to the one where the halogen atom is present When
(–)-2-bromooctane is allowed to react with sodium hydroxide,
(+)-octan-2-ol is formed with the –OH group occupying the position
opposite to what bromide had occupied Thus, SN2 reactions of optically active halides are accompanied by
inversion of configuration