$S_N 2 \text { reaction readily occurs in }$

$S_N 2 \text { reaction readily occurs in }$
  1. $\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{CH}_2-\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{CH}_3$

  3. $\mathrm{CH}_2=\mathrm{CH}-\mathrm{CH}_2-\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{CH}_3$
  4. $\mathrm{Ph}-\mathrm{CH}_2-\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{CH}_2-\mathrm{CH}_3$

Solution

$S_N 2$ reactions occur more readily at carbons that are less substituted. It is easier for the nucleophile to attack if there is little substitution around the C-leaving group bond. Therefore, the order of reactivity for alkyl halides is methyl > primary > secondary >>> tertiary.

Asked in: NEET 2008 (Screening)

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