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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o3025

Assertion (A): is converted to by concentrated at room temperature, but not by in neutral water. Reason (R): Protonation converts the leaving group into , a much better leaving group, so that the tertiary carbocation can form.

  1. ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true but R is false
  4. DA is false but R is true

Answer: A

Both statements are true. Hydroxide is a strong base and leaves only with great difficulty. In acid the oxygen is protonated and neutral water departs, giving the tertiary cation that chloride then captures. R is the explanation for A.
Practice Organic Reaction Mechanisms III: Nucleophilic Substitution More on SN1 vs SN2: substrate, nucleophile, solvent, leaving group

More questions on SN1 vs SN2: substrate, nucleophile, solvent, leaving group