Question

In an $S_N1$ reaction on chiral centres, there is :

• A. 100% retention
• B. 100% inversion
• C. 100% racemization
• D. inversion more than retention leading to partial recemization

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

inversion more than retention leading to partial recemization

Answer 2

$S_N1$ reaction gives racemic mixture with slight predominance of that isomer which corresponds to inversion because $S_N1$ also depends upon the degree of 'shielding' of the front side of the reacting carbon.