A solution of ( - ) 1 - chloro - 1 - phenylethane in toluene racemises slowly in the presence of a small…

A solution of (-)1-chloro-1-phenylethane in toluene racemises slowly in the presence of a small amount of SbCl5, due to the formation of :
  1. Carbocation
  2. Free radical
  3. Carbanion
  4. Carbene

Solution

(-) - 1 - chloro-1-phenylethane is:

 .



With SbCl5 carbocation is formed. As the carbocation is planar, Cl ⊖ can again attack from both sides giving racemic mixture. (d, l mixture formed)

Asked in: JEE Main 2013 (07 Apr)

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