Question

Which of the following solvent will give maximum yield for an alkyl halide undergoing $S_{N}1$ mechanism?

• A. Water
• B. Ethanol
• C. Diethyl ether
• D. n-hexane

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Water

The $S_{N}1$ path is strongly favoured by the presence of polarising solvents which stabilizes both cation and anion effectively.

More polar is a solvent, easier is $S_{N}1$ path. The polarity of the given solvents is water > ethanol > ethoxyethane > n-hexane.

Option A is correct.