Question

Indicate which reaction will occur faster. explain your reasoning. select the single best answer. solvolysis of 1−chloro−2,2−dimethylpropane or tert−butyl chloride in ethanol

Answer 1

The tert-butyl chloride in ethanol would surely react faster than the solvolysis of 1-chloro-2,2-dimethyl propane. It is known that both reactions are under the SN2 category so it would be hard for these reactions to occur. However, SN1 reactions are possible because of the ethanol which is a polar solvent. Both would form carbocations but tert-butyl chloride forms a more stable carbocation while the 1-chloro-2,2-dimethyl propane forms a primary carbocation only.