MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #640

A tertiary alkyl halide undergoes hydrolysis in a polar solvent following a two-step mechanism. What is the characteristic intermediate formed in the first step?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #640

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A tertiary alkyl halide undergoes hydrolysis in a polar solvent following a two-step mechanism. What is the characteristic intermediate formed in the first step?

    • A) Carbanion
    • B) Carbocation
    • C) Free radical
    • D) Nitrene

    Answer: Carbocation

    Explanation: SN1 reactions form a planar carbocation intermediate allowing attack from both sides; carbanion is incorrect as it involves a negative carbon.