Question

Which of the following alkyl halides will undergo S$_N$1 reaction most readily?

• A. \( (CH_3)_3I \)
• B. \( (CH_3)_3Cl \)
• C. \( (CH_3)_3Br \)
• D. \( (CH_3)_3F \)

Hint:

S$_N$1 reactions prefer tertiary halides and weak nucleophiles, whereas S$_N$2 reactions favor primary halides and strong nucleophiles.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

For S$_N$1 reactions, alkyl halides yielding stable carbocations are preferred. Tertiary alkyl halides react more rapidly in S$_N$1 reactions due to enhanced carbocation stability. Among the halogens, iodine exhibits the best leaving group ability, thus tert-Butyl iodide ((CH$_3$)$_3$I) demonstrates the highest reactivity in an S$_N$1 reaction.