JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3g3188
Consider (i) CHX3Br+IX−CHX3I+BrX− (single-step SN2) and (ii) (CHX3)X3CBr+ClX−(CHX3)X3CCl+BrX− by an SN1 path in two steps (ionisation, then capture of the carbocation by ClX−). Counting both reactions together, the number of transition states and of reactive intermediates is
A3 transition states and 1 intermediate
B4 transition states and 1 intermediate
C2 transition states and 1 intermediate
D3 transition states and 2 intermediates
Answer: A
(i) has 1 transition state and no intermediate. (ii) has 2 transition states and one intermediate, the tert-butyl cation. Total: 3 and 1.