What mechanism predominates in the reaction below? A)S_N2 B)S_N1 without rearrangement C)S_N1 with rearrangement D)E2 E)E1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction involves a nucleophilic substitution on a tertiary alkyl halide. Such substrates undergo SN1 and SN2 reactions. However, SN1 reactions involving rearrangement are favored for tertiary substrates. Considering the reaction conditions and the possibility of rearrangement, it is most likely that the mechanism is SN1 with rearrangement (choice C). The other options, E2 (D) and E1 (E), are unlikely as they require specific base conditions which are not given in the question. The options A and B are less likely as they do not take into account the possibility of rearrangement.

What Mechanism Predominates in the Reaction Below