Which would undergo SN1 reaction faster in the following pair and why? CH3−CH2−Br and CH3|CH3−C−CH3|Br
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Solution
SN1 reaction
Substitution Nucleophilic Unimolecular reaction:
It proceeds via the formation of a carbocation.
Reactivity towards SN1 reaction depends upon the stability of carbocation and since tertiary carbocation is the most stable i.e, why tertiary halides show high reactivity towards SN1 reaction.
Reactivity order of carbocation 3∘>2∘>1∘.
Therefore, this would undergo SN1 reaction faster as it forms a 3∘ carbocation.
Thus, the tert-butyl bromide will go SN1 reaction faster than ethyl bromide.