Rank the following compounds in order of increasing reactivity in an S_N2 reaction. (Fastest is first, slowest is last.) A) III I II IV B) II IV I III C) IV II I III D) IV II III I

Question

Rank the following compounds in order of increasing reactivity in an S_N2 reaction. (Fastest is first, slowest is last.) A) III > I > II > IV B) II > IV > I > III C) IV > II > I > III D) IV > II > III > I

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reactivity in an S_N2 reaction typically follows the trend of carbocation stability, with more stable carbocations reacting more slowly. In this case, compound IV has the most stable carbocation due to resonance delocalization of the positive charge, making it the slowest to react. Compound II has the next most stable carbocation due to its tertiary structure, making it slower to react than compound IV. Compound I has a secondary carbocation, making it react faster than both IV and II. Finally, compound III has a primary carbocation, making it the least stable and therefore the fastest to react. Therefore, the correct order of reactivity from slowest to fastest is IV > II > I > III, which corresponds to choice C.

Rank the Following Compounds in Order of Increasing Reactivity in an SN2

Rank the Following Compounds in Order of Increasing Reactivity in an S_N2