Q. Given below are two statements : Statement I : CH₃–O–CH₂–Cl will undergo SN1 reaction though it is a primary halide. Statement II : (CH₃)₃C–CH₂–Cl (neopentyl chloride) will not undergo SN2 reaction very easily though it is a primary halide. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
A) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
B) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
C) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
D) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
Explanation
[Solution by Dr. Abubacker] CH₃–O–CH₂⁺ is stabilised by the lone pair on oxygen (an oxocarbenium ion), so SN1 is feasible despite the primary halide (I is correct). In neopentyl chloride the bulky t-butyl group blocks backside attack, so SN2 is very slow (II is correct). Answer (2).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.