MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #602

A tertiary alkyl halide undergoes substitution in a polar protic solvent. Why does it follow a two-step mechanism instead of a single-step pathway?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #602

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A tertiary alkyl halide undergoes substitution in a polar protic solvent. Why does it follow a two-step mechanism instead of a single-step pathway?

    • A) Carbocation stability
    • B) Hydrogen bonding
    • C) Molecular geometry
    • D) Walden inversion

    Answer: Carbocation stability

    Explanation: Tertiary carbocations are stabilized by three alkyl groups via hyperconjugation; Walden inversion is tempting but is a characteristic of SN2 reactions.