Predict the compound in each pair that will undergo solvolysis (in aqueous ethanol) more rapidly.
(c)


(d)

a. Assuming that the two compounds shown below have the same stability, which one would you expect to be more reactive in an S_N1 reaction?

b. Draw the products that each would form when the solvent is ethanol.

A reluctant first-order substrate can be forced to ionize by adding some silver nitrate (one of the few soluble silver salts) to the reaction. Silver ion reacts with the halogen to form a silver halide (a highly exothermic reaction), generating the cation of the alkyl group.

Give mechanisms for the following silver-promoted rearrangements.

(b)

Propose a mechanism involving a hydride shift or an alkyl shift for each solvolysis reaction. Explain how each rearrangement forms a more stable intermediate.

Hint: Most rearrangements convert 2° (or incipient 1°) carbocations to 3° or resonance-stabilized carbocations.

(c)

Choose the member of each pair that will react faster by the SN1 mechanism.

c. n-propyl bromide or allyl bromide

d. 1-bromo-2,2-dimethylpropane or 2-bromopropane

Allylic halides have the structure

a. Show how the first-order ionization of an allylic halide leads to a resonance-stabilized cation.

Often, compounds can be synthesized by more than one method. Show how this 3° alcohol can be made from the following:

(d) a 3° alkyl bromide

Give the substitution products expected from solvolysis of each compound by heating in ethanol.

(c)

(d)

Propose a mechanism for the reaction of benzyl bromide with ethanol to give benzyl ethyl ether.