What is the order of reactivity of alkyl halides with ammonia?
- $\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Cl}>\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Br}>\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{I}$
- $\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Br}>\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{I}>\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Cl}$
- R-I $>$ R-Br $>$ R-Cl
- $\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Cl}>\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{I}>\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{Br}$
Solution
Reactivity of alkyl halides with ammonia depends on nucleophilic substitution mechanisms, where ammonia acts as a nucleophile. The key factor is the leaving group ability of the halide ion.
Leaving group ability is inversely related to basicity. Comparing halides: iodine is the weakest base and thus the best leaving group, followed by bromine and then chlorine. This gives the order I- > Br- > Cl- for leaving group quality.
Consequently, alkyl halide reactivity follows: $\mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{I} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{B} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{Cl}$.
Evaluating the options:
A) $\mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{Cl} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{B} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{I}$ (Incorrect)
B) $\mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{B} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{I} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{Cl}$ (Incorrect)
C) $\mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{I} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{B} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{Cl}$ (Correct)
D) $\mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{Cl} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{I} > \mathrm{R}{-}\mathrm{B}$ (Incorrect)
Answer: $\boxed{\text{C}}$
Asked in: MHT CET 2025 (05 May Shift 2)