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 ends up with racemization of the product
• D. The more stable the carbocation intermediate the faster the $S_{N}1$ reaction
• E. Polar protic solvent increases the rate of $S_{N}1$ reaction

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

State (b) is not correct regarding the $S_{N}1$ reaction for alkyl halide because in $S_{N}1$ reaction no inversion takes place. The removal of $X$ and the attachment of $O{H}^{-}$ will take place from the same side. $R-X\stackrel{slow}{\to }{R}^{+}+X^{-}$ $R^{+}+O{H}^{-}\stackrel{fast}{\to }ROH$