Question

Which compound out of the following pairs will react faster in SN1 reaction and
why ? CH2=CHBr or CH2=CHCHBr.

Answer 1

Answer:

SN

1

reaction

Substitution Nucleophilic Unimolecular reaction:

It proceeds via the formation of a carbocation.

Reactivity towards SN

1

reaction depends upon the stability of carbocation and since tertiary carbocation is the most stable i.e, why tertiary halides show high reactivity towards SN

1

reaction.

Reactivity order of carbocation 3

∘

>2

∘

>1

∘

.

Therefore, this would undergo SN

1

reaction faster as it forms a 3

∘

carbocation.

Thus, the tert-butyl bromide will go S

N

1 reaction faster than ethyl bromide.