Question:

Which one of the following factors proceeds more rapidly, unimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction?

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SN1 goes through a carbocation, which polar protic solvents stabilise.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Aprotic solvent
  • Stronger nucleophile
  • Weaker nucleophile
  • Polar protic solvent
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the SN1 mechanism
SN1 is a two-step reaction. The slow step is ionisation to a carbocation, so the rate depends only on the substrate.

Step 2: Which factor helps
A polar protic solvent solvates the carbocation and the leaving group, so it speeds up the slow step. Nucleophile strength does not change the rate. Aprotic solvents favour SN2. Option (D).

Final Answer:
A polar protic solvent speeds up SN1, option (D). \[ \boxed{\text{(D)}} \]
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