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NEET CHEMISTRYAlcohols, Phenols and EthersMedium

Question

Which one is the most reactive toward SN1S_N1 reaction?

A

C6H5CH(C6H5)Br\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH(C}_6\text{H}_5\text{)Br}

B

C6H5CH(CH3)Br\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH(CH}_3\text{)Br}

C

C6H5C(CH3)(C6H5)Br\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{C(CH}_3\text{)(C}_6\text{H}_5\text{)Br}

D

C6H5CH2Br\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_2\text{Br}

Step-by-Step Solution

The rate of an SN1S_N1 reaction depends on the stability of the carbocation intermediate formed during the first (rate-determining) step. Heterolytic cleavage of the C-Br bond in each option yields the following carbocations:

  1. C6H5-C+H-C6H5\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{-C}^+\text{H-C}_6\text{H}_5: Secondary carbocation, stabilized by resonance from two phenyl rings.
  2. C6H5-C+H-CH3\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{-C}^+\text{H-CH}_3: Secondary carbocation, stabilized by resonance from one phenyl ring and hyperconjugation from one methyl group.
  3. C6H5-C+(CH3)-C6H5\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{-C}^+\text{(CH}_3\text{)-C}_6\text{H}_5: Tertiary carbocation, highly stabilized by resonance from two phenyl rings and hyperconjugation from one methyl group.
  4. C6H5-C+H2\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{-C}^+\text{H}_2: Primary carbocation, stabilized by resonance from one phenyl ring. The carbocation formed from C6H5C(CH3)(C6H5)Br\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{C(CH}_3\text{)(C}_6\text{H}_5\text{)Br} is the most stable because it is a tertiary carbocation further stabilized by extensive resonance delocalization over two phenyl rings. Therefore, it is the most reactive towards SN1S_N1 substitution.

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.

CHEMISTRYAlcohols, Phenols and Ethersreactivetowardreaction

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