Among the following compounds, which one will undergo an S_ N 1 solvolysis reaction at the fastest rate?

Step-by-step solution

The rate of an S_ N 1 reaction is directly proportional to the stability of the intermediate carbocation formed after the departure of the leaving group (chloride ion). Ionization of the C-Cl bond in 3-chloro-1-methoxycyclohex-1-ene generates a cyclic allylic carbocation. Through resonance, the positive charge delocalizes from C3 to C1. At C1, the positive charge is directly adjacent to the methoxy ( -OCH₃ ) group. The oxygen atom of the -OCH₃ group donates its lone pair to the empty p-orbital of the carbocation vi