Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Benzyl chloride reacts faster in \(S_N1\) mechanism than ethyl chloride.
Statement (II): Ethyl carbocation intermediate is less stabilized by hyperconjugation than benzyl carbocation by resonance.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Updated On: Apr 10, 2026
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are false
  • Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • Statement I is false but Statement II is true
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The rate of \(S_N1\) reactions depends on the stability of the carbocation intermediate.
Step 1:Check Statement I} Benzyl chloride forms a benzyl carbocation: \[ C_6H_5CH_2^+ \] This carbocation is resonance stabilized by the benzene ring. Ethyl chloride forms an ethyl carbocation: \[ C_2H_5^+ \] which is much less stable. Thus benzyl chloride reacts faster in \(S_N1\). Hence Statement I is true.
Step 2:Check Statement II} Ethyl carbocation is stabilized only by hyperconjugation. Benzyl carbocation is stabilized by resonance with the aromatic ring, which is stronger. Thus ethyl carbocation is less stabilized than benzyl carbocation. Hence Statement II is also true. \[ \boxed{\text{Both statements are true}} \]
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