Question

Determine the order of reactivity for (CH3)2CHCH2I, (CH3)3CI, and CH3CHiCH2CH3 reacting with :

1. CH3CH2O-K+

2. CH3CH2OH (ethanol)

Answer 1

The order of reactivity depends upon wha kind of mechanism the reaction follows.

For SN2/E2 order is 2, for SN1/E1 order will be 1.

Primary alkyl halides undergo SN2/E2 reaction, tertiary alkyl halides follow SN1 reaction pathway. Polar protic solvents favor SN1/E1 reaction.

Thus we can say now,

    Substrate                             Reagent                        Order of reaction

(CH3)2CHCH2I                    CH3CH2O-K+                                2

(CH3)3Cl                              CH3CH2O-K+                                1

CH3CH2CH(I)CH2CH3        CH3CH2O-K+                                2

(CH3)2CHCH2I                     CH3CH2OH                                   2

(CH3)3Cl                               CH3CH2OH                                   1

CH3CH2CH(I)CH2CH3         CH3CH2OH                                   2