Q72 / 200 · NEET 2008 (Screening) · Chemistry

In a $S_{\mathrm{N}} 2$ substitution reaction of the type $\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Br}+\mathrm{Cl}^{-} \stackrel{\mathrm{DMF}}{\longrightarrow} \mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Cl}+\mathrm{Br}^{-}$, which one of the following has the highest relative rate?

  • A
    $\mathrm{CH}_3-\mathrm{CH}_2-\mathrm{CH}_2 \mathrm{Br}$
  • B
    Figure
  • C
    Figure
  • Correct answer
    D
    $\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{CH}_2 \mathrm{Br}$

Solution

Key Idea: The relative reactivity of alkyl halides towards $\mathrm{S}_{\mathrm{N}} 2$ reactions is as follows: Primary $>$ Secondary $>$ Tertiary However, if the primary alkyl halide or the nucleophile/base is sterically hindered the nucleophile will have difficulty to getting the back side of the $\alpha$-carbon as a result of this, the elimination product will be predominant. Here $\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{CH}_2 \mathrm{Br}$ is the least hindered, hence it has the highest relative rate towards $\mathrm{S}_{\mathrm{N}} 2$ reaction.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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