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NEET CHEMISTRYAlcohols, Phenols and EthersMedium

Question

A compound that does not undergo SN1S_N1 reaction with OH\text{OH}^- is:

A

CH2=CHCH2Cl\text{CH}_2=\text{CH}-\text{CH}_2\text{Cl}

B

C6H5CH2Cl\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_2\text{Cl}

C

(CH3)3CCl(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}

D

CH2=CHCl\text{CH}_2=\text{CH}-\text{Cl}

Step-by-Step Solution

In an SN1S_N1 reaction, the rate-determining step is the formation of a carbocation intermediate. The reactivity of the compound towards SN1S_N1 depends entirely on the stability of the carbocation formed .

Let us evaluate the carbocations formed by the given options:

  • Option A (Allyl chloride): Forms an allyl carbocation (CH2=CHC+H2\text{CH}_2=\text{CH}-\overset{+}{\text{C}}\text{H}_2), which is highly stabilized by resonance .
  • Option B (Benzyl chloride): Forms a benzyl carbocation (C6H5C+H2\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\overset{+}{\text{C}}\text{H}_2), which is highly stabilized by resonance through the benzene ring .
  • Option C (tert-Butyl chloride): Forms a tertiary (33^\circ) carbocation ((CH3)3C+(\text{CH}_3)_3\overset{+}{\text{C}}), which is stabilized by the +I+I effect and extensive hyperconjugation (due to 9 α\alpha-hydrogens) .
  • Option D (Vinyl chloride): Forms a vinyl cation (CH2=C+H\text{CH}_2=\overset{+}{\text{C}}\text{H}). This intermediate is highly unstable because the positive charge resides on a highly electronegative spsp-hybridized carbon atom. Additionally, the CCl\text{C}-\text{Cl} bond possesses a partial double bond character due to the delocalisation of chlorine's lone pair with the π\pi-bond, making it very difficult to break heterolytically .

Therefore, vinyl chloride does not undergo an SN1S_N1 reaction.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

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