The reaction of tert-butyl bromide,(CH₃)₃CBr,with ethanol affords the substitution product tert-butyl ethyl ether,(CH₃)₃COCH₂CH₃,in acidic conditions.What would happen to the rate of the reaction if the concentration of ethanol was doubled?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction of tert-butyl bromide with ethanol to form tert-butyl ethyl ether in acidic conditions proceeds via a SN1 mechanism, where the rate of reaction is determined only by the concentration of the tert-butyl bromide. Doubling the concentration of ethanol does not affect the rate of the reaction because the rate-determining step involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate from tert-butyl bromide alone.

The Reaction of Tert-Butyl Bromide,(CH3)3CBr,with Ethanol Affords the Substitution Product

The Reaction of Tert-Butyl Bromide,(CH₃)₃CBr,with Ethanol Affords the Substitution Product