Question

Which among the following is NOT correct statement about $\text{S}_\text{N}1$ reaction?

• A. A more powerful nucleophile favours $\text{S}_\text{N}1$ mechanism.
• B. $\text{S}_\text{N}1$ reaction proceeds via formation of carbocation intermediate.
• C. $\text{S}_\text{N}1$ reaction proceeds more rapidly in polar protic solvent.
• D. The rate of $\text{S}_\text{N}1$ mechanism is independent of the nature of nucleophile.

Hint:

Remember: $\text{S}_\text{N}1$ is a "lone wolf" mechanism where the substrate breaks apart entirely on its own before the nucleophile can step in. Strong, aggressive nucleophiles will always force an $\text{S}_\text{N}2$ crowding pathway instead!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall SN1 basics.
SN1 goes in two steps through a carbocation. Its rate depends only on the substrate, so the nucleophile strength does not matter, and polar protic solvents help. Those three statements are true.

Step 2: Test the nucleophile claim.
A strong nucleophile would rather attack the substrate directly and push out the leaving group, which is the SN2 route. So a strong nucleophile favours SN2, not SN1.

Step 3: Pick the false one.
Saying a stronger nucleophile favours SN1 is wrong.
\[ \boxed{\text{Stronger nucleophile favours SN1, option 1}} \]