Question

A solution of d (+) - 2 - chloro - 2 - phenylethane in toluene racemises slowly in the presence of small amount of sbcl5, due to the formation of

Answer 1

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● Answer-
Racemization of (+)-1-chloro-1-phenylethane in toulene occurs as a result of phenyl-ethane *carbocation* formation.

● Explaination-
In presence of toulene, (+)-1-chloro-1-phenylethane reacts with small amount of antimony pentachloride(SbCl5) to form phenyl-ethane carbocation.

C6H5-CH(Cl)CH3 + SbCl5 ---> [C6H5-CH-CH3]+ + [SbCl6]-

Formation of this carbocation leads to racemization of (+)-1-chloro-1-phenylethane in toulene.

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