Which of the following alkyl halides is hydrolyzed most rapidly by the SN ^2 mechanism ?

Step-by-step solution

The rate of an SN ^2 reaction is inversely proportional to the steric hindrance around the carbon atom bearing the leaving group. The order of reactivity of alkyl halides towards SN ^2 mechanism is: Methyl halide >1^ alkyl halide >2^ alkyl halide >3^ alkyl halide. Among the given options: CH ₃ -Br is a methyl halide. CH ₃ -CH ₂ -Br is a 1^ alkyl halide. ( CH ₃)₂ CH-Br is a 2^ alkyl halide. ( CH ₃)₃ C-Br is a 3^ alkyl halide. Since CH ₃ -Br has the least steric hindrance, it is hydrolyzed most rapidly by the SN ^2 m