Question

Which of the following statements about $S_{N}1$ reaction are correct?

• A. It is a bimolecular reaction.
• B. It proceeds with retention as well as inversion of the configuration.
• C. It involves the formation of an intermediatecarbocation.
• D. The reaction is carried in the presence of polar aprotic solvent.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

It proceeds with retention as well as inversion of the configuration.
It involves the formation of an intermediatecarbocation.

$S{N}^1$ mechanism proceeds through carbocation formation, as stability of carbocation increases, reaction favours $S{N}^1$ mechanism. Polar solvent stablises carbocation so they favours reaction. In this reaction products forms are racemic due to following mechanism.