Which of the following alkyl halides has the fastest rate for a S_N1 reaction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of a S_N1 reaction is determined by the stability of the carbocation intermediate formed. In this case, the carbocation formed will be tertiary, and hence, the more stable the alkyl halide, the faster the formation of the carbocation and the reaction rate. Among the given options, D is the only tertiary alkyl halide, and hence it will have the fastest rate of reaction.

Which of the Following Alkyl Halides Has the Fastest Rate