Chapter 18, Problem 18.63P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A stepwise mechanism for the reaction between benzyl bromide and ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{OH}$ to afford benzyl methyl ether is to be drawn and an explanation for the reaction of this $1°$ alkyl halide with a weak nucleophile under conditions that favor an ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{1}$ mechanism is to be stated. The reactivity of given para-substituted benzylic halides is more or less than benzyl bromide is to be predicted and explained.

Concept introduction: The replacement or substitution of one functional group with another different functional group in any chemical reaction is termed as substitution reaction. The electron deficient chemical species that contains positive charge are known as electrophile. In electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, electrophile takes the position of hydrogen atom by attacking the electron rich carbon atom of benzene.