Nucleophilic Substitution (sn1/sn2)
Which substrate is expected to undergo SN1 reaction most readily in aqueous ethanol?
Select the correct option:
Solution
(CH3)3CCl
SN1 reaction rate depends on carbocation stability after leaving group departure. tert-Butyl chloride forms a tertiary carbocation, which is most stable among the options due to +I effect and hyperconjugation from three alkyl groups. Hence it undergoes SN1 fastest in polar protic medium.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- organic compounds containing halogens
- Topic
- nucleophilic substitution (sn1/sn2)
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
(CH3)3CCl
SN1 reaction rate depends on carbocation stability after leaving group departure. tert-Butyl chloride forms a tertiary carbocation, which is most stable among the options due to +I effect and hyperconjugation from three alkyl groups. Hence it undergoes SN1 fastest in polar protic medium.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter organic compounds containing halogens, covering the topic of nucleophilic substitution (sn1/sn2). It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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