The increasing order of the reactivity of the following halides for the SN1 reaction
(I) (see structure) (II) CH3CH2CH2Cl (III) p−H3CO−C6H4−CH2Cl
is :
(A)(III) < (II) < (I)
(B)(II) < (I) < (III)✓ Correct
(C)(I) < (III) < (II)
(D)(II) < (III) < (I)
Answer: (B)
Solution
An SXN1 rate tracks carbocation stability. The plain primary chloride CHX3CHX2CHX2Cl gives the least stable cation and reacts slowest. A benzylic chloride does better, since the ring delocalises the positive charge, and the p-methoxybenzyl chloride is best of all, because the −OCHX3 lone pair pushes extra resonance into the benzylic cation. The reactivity order is therefore (II)<(I)<(III).
JEE Main · 2017 · 02 Apr 2017 · Offline · Single correct option