125k views
5 votes
Which of the following solvents would lead to the fastest SN1 reaction?

A. n-hexane
B. Benzene
C. Tetrachloromethane
D. Propanol

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Propanol is the solvent among the given options that would lead to the fastest SN1 reaction because it is a polar protic solvent, which can stabilize the carbocation intermediate effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solvent that would lead to the fastest SN1 reaction is propanol. SN1 reactions are nucleophilic substitution reactions where the rate determining step involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate. Solvents that are polar and protic (capable of forming hydrogen bonds) stabilize this intermediate and thereby accelerate the reaction.

In this scenario, n-hexane is a nonpolar solvent, benzene is also nonpolar, and tetrachloromethane (also known as carbon tetrachloride) is a polar aprotic solvent. Propanol, being a polar protic solvent, is best suited for SN1 reactions because it can solvate and stabilize the carbocation intermediate more effectively than the other options provided.

User Aceofbassgreg
by
6.9k points