In substitution reaction of the type , which one of the following has the highest relative rate?
The given reaction proceeds via an mechanism. The rate of an reaction is highly dependent on the steric hindrance (spatial arrangement) around the electrophilic carbon atom. As the steric bulk around the -carbon increases, the approach of the incoming nucleophile () is hindered, leading to a lower reaction rate. Among the given primary alkyl bromides, bromoethane () has the least steric hindrance. Branching at the -carbon (as seen in the other options: propyl, isobutyl, and neopentyl bromides) increases steric resistance, making the approach of the nucleophile difficult. Thus, has the highest relative rate.
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