MHT CET202616 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryHaloalkanes and HaloarenesActual
Which of the following alkyl halides undergoes SN ^1 reaction most readily?
Options
- A( CH ₃)₃ C-F
- B( CH ₃)₃ C-Cl
- C( CH ₃)₃ C-Br
- D( CH ₃)₃ C-I
Correct answer
D. ( CH ₃)₃ C-I
Step-by-step solution
The rate of an SN ^1 reaction depends on the stability of the carbocation formed and the leaving group ability of the halide ion. Since the alkyl group is the same in all the given options, the carbocation formed is the tert-butyl carbocation, ( CH ₃)₃ C ^+ , in each case. The rate of reaction will therefore depend on the leaving group ability of the halide ion. A better leaving group leads to a faster reaction. The leaving group ability increases as the size of the halogen atom increases and the carbon-halogen bon