The reaction of tert-butyl bromide, (CH₃)₃CBr, with methanol in an inert solvent proceeds by an S_N1 mechanism to give tert-butyl methyl ether, (CH₃)₃COCH₃. What is the effect of doubling the concentration of methanol on the rate of the reaction? A) the rate remains the same B) the rate decreases by a factor of 2 C) the rate increases by a factor of 2 D) the rate increases by a factor of 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction proceeds via an SN1 mechanism, which involves a rate-determining step of forming a carbocation intermediate. The concentration of the nucleophile (methanol, in this case) does not affect the rate of this step, so doubling the concentration of methanol does not change the reaction rate.

The Reaction of Tert-Butyl Bromide, (CH3)3CBr, with Methanol in an Inert

The Reaction of Tert-Butyl Bromide, (CH₃)₃CBr, with Methanol in an Inert