Question

Explain $S{N}^1$ reaction with appropriate example.

Answer 1

$S{N}^1$ reaction corresponds to unimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction. The order of reaction is one. The hydrolysis of tert-butyl bromide with aqueous $NaOH$ solution is an example of $S{N}^1$ reaction. The rate of the reaction depends on the concentration of tert butyl bromide but it is independent of the concentration of $NaOH.$ Hence, the rate determining step only involves tert-butyl bromide. In $S{N}^1$ reaction, racemic mixture is obtained.