Question
Question: which molecule have more SN1 rate (CH3)3-C-Cl or (Et)3-C-Cl...
which molecule have more SN1 rate (CH3)3-C-Cl or (Et)3-C-Cl
Answer
(CH3)3-C-Cl
Explanation
Solution
- Carbocation stability: SN1 rate ∝ stability of intermediate carbocation.
- Hyperconjugation: (CH3)3C+ has 9 β-hydrogens available for hyperconjugation, whereas (Et)3C+ has only 6.
- Inductive effect: Methyl groups donate electron density more effectively via hyperconjugation compared to longer ethyl chains.
Therefore, tert-butyl chloride undergoes SN1 faster than triethyl chloride.