Identify the correct order of reactivity of the following compounds towards the S _ N 1 reaction: (i) (ii) (iii)

Step-by-step solution

The rate of an S _ N 1 reaction depends on the stability of the intermediate carbocation and the leaving group ability. In compounds (i) and (ii), the halogen is attached to the carbon adjacent to the oxygen atom (C2 position). Upon departure of the halide ion, the resulting carbocation is adjacent to the oxygen atom. This carbocation is highly stabilized by the +M effect (resonance) of the oxygen lone pair, forming a stable oxocarbenium ion. In compound (iii), the chlorine atom is attached to the C3 position. The