Question

Which of the following statements regarding the $S_{N}1$ reaction shown by alkyl halide is not correct?

• A. the added nucleophile plays no kinetic role in $S_{N}1$ reaction
• B. The $S_{N}1$ reaction involves the inversion of configuration of the optically active substrate
• C. the $S_{N}1$ reaction on the chiral starting material end up with racemization of the product
• D. The more stable the carbocation intermediate the faster the $S_{N}1$ reaction

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

In $S_{N}1$ reaction, rate of substitution depends on the concentration of substrate only and not upon nucleophile. In case of $S_{N}1$ reaction there is recemization and no inversion. $S_{N}1$ reaction will be faster, if carbocation formed is more stable.