Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions (I) Problem 6

Description:

Problem

Out of C₆H₅CH₂Cl and C₆H₅CHClC₆H₅, which is more easily hydrolysed by aqueous KOH?

Solution

Hydrolysis of alkyl halide is a nucleophilic substitution reaction.

• The rate of reaction depends on the stability of the carbocations formed in an S_N1 reaction.

• (II) > more stable > (I)

• It is because due to the presence of two phenyl rings attached to the carbon bearing positive charge, resonance stabilization is greater as it results in greater dispersal of positive charge.