Class 12 Exam  >  Class 12 Questions  >  1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro... Start Learning for Free
1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methyl propane in a SN2 reaction because
  • a)
    α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutane
  • b)
    α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutane
  • c)
    electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propane
  • d)
    α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutan
Correct answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2...

As indicated in the given reaction, α-carbon is less hindered in 1- chloropropane. Also + I effect of three methyl groups in 2- chloro-2-methyl propane decreases electropositive character of α-carbon, decreases reactivity further in SN2 reaction.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2...
Explanation:

1. Carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutane: In a SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom that is attached to the leaving group. In 1-chlorobutane, the carbon atom is attached to only one other carbon atom, which means it is less crowded and more accessible to the nucleophile. Conversely, in 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, the carbon atom is attached to three methyl groups, making it more crowded and less accessible to the nucleophile. Therefore, 1-chlorobutane is more reactive in a SN2 reaction due to its less crowded carbon atom.

2. Electron donating inductive effect of three methyl groups is greater in 2-chloro-2-methylpropane: The inductive effect refers to the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing nature of substituents attached to a carbon atom. In 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, there are three methyl groups attached to the carbon atom, which have a strong electron-donating inductive effect. This means that they push electron density towards the carbon atom, making it less electrophilic and less reactive in a SN2 reaction. On the other hand, in 1-chlorobutane, there are no substituents attached to the carbon atom, so it does not experience any significant inductive effect. Therefore, the electron donating inductive effect of the three methyl groups in 2-chloro-2-methylpropane decreases its reactivity in a SN2 reaction.

3. Carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutane: In a SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom that is attached to the leaving group. The electropositivity of a carbon atom determines its ability to attract electrons and stabilize the negative charge that forms during the reaction. In 1-chlorobutane, the carbon atom is less substituted and therefore more electropositive compared to the carbon atom in 2-chloro-2-methylpropane. The three methyl groups in 2-chloro-2-methylpropane have a greater electron-donating inductive effect, which decreases the electropositivity of the carbon atom. Therefore, the more electropositive nature of the carbon atom in 1-chlorobutane increases its reactivity in a SN2 reaction.

In conclusion, 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction because it has a less crowded carbon atom, no significant electron-donating inductive effect, and a more electropositive carbon atom. These factors contribute to the accessibility and electrophilicity of the carbon atom, making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack in a SN2 reaction.
Explore Courses for Class 12 exam
Question Description
1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 12 2026 is part of Class 12 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 12 exam syllabus. Information about 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 12 2026 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 12. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 12 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice 1-chlorobutane is more reactive than 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in a SN2 reaction becausea)α-carbon is less crowded in 1-chlorobutaneb)α-carbon is less electropositive in 1-chlorobutanec)electron donating inductive effect of three methyl group is greater in 2-chloro 2-methyl propaned)α-carbon is more electropositive in 1-chlorobutanCorrect answer is option 'A,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice Class 12 tests.
Explore Courses for Class 12 exam

Top Courses for Class 12

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev