Which among the following is a feature of S_N1 mechanism?

MHT CET 2023 Chemistry question

Which among the following is a feature of S1 mechanism?

(A)Single step mechanism
(B)Only backside attack of nucleophile
(C)Transaction state contains pentacoordinate carbon
(D)Formation of planer carbocation intermediateCorrect

Answer: (D)

Solution

S1 is a two-step unimolecular substitution. Step 1 (slow, rate-determining): the C-X bond breaks to give a planar, sp carbocation intermediate. Step 2 (fast): the nucleophile attacks this planar carbocation from either face, giving a racemic mixture when the carbon is a stereocentre. Hence

See the full step-by-step solution

Create a free account to read the complete working, and practise questions like this in a timed test.

Create a free account

Question ID VK-098014