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WBJEE · Chemistry · General Organic Chemistry

(+)-2-chloro-2-phenylethane in toluene racemises slowly in the presence of small amount of \(\mathrm{SbCl}_{5},\) due to the formation of

  1. A carbanion
  2. B carbene
  3. C free-radical
  4. D carbocation
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) carbocation

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

A planar carbocation is generated when \(\mathrm{SbCl}_{5}\) remove \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) from the substrate. This carbocation is subsequently attacked by \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) (nucleophile) from both the sides (j.e. from top and bottom) to produce a racemic mixture.