NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3g3004
In the rate-determining step of the SN1 hydrolysis of 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, the species formed is:
A(CHX3)X2CH−CHX2X+ together with ClX−
B(CHX3)X3CX∙ together with ClX∙
C(CHX3)X3CX+ together with ClX−
D(CHX3)X3CX− together with ClX+
Answer: C
Heterolysis of the C-Cl bond places the bonding pair on the more electronegative chlorine. This gives the tertiary cation (CHX3)X3CX+ and chloride ion, not a primary cation or radicals.