Question

The order of reactivity of the following compounds towards SN2 displacement reaction is (i) \(C_{6}H_{5}CH(CH_{3})Br\) (ii) \(C_{6}H_{5}CH(C_{6}H_{5})Br\) (iii) \(C_{6}H_{5}C(CH_{3})(C_{6}H_{5})Br\) (iv) \(C_{6}H_{5}CH_{2}Br\)

• A. (ii)$>$(i)$>$(iii)$>$(iv)
• B. (iv)$>$(ii)$>$(i)$>$(iii)
• C. (ii)$>$(iii)$>$(i)$>$(iv)
• D. (i)$>$(ii)$>$(iii)$>$(iv)
• E. (iv)$>$(i)$>$(ii)$>$(iii)

Hint:

Benzylic halides are more reactive than simple alkyl halides in SN2 due to stabilization of the transition state by the phenyl ring.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)