Answer: Benzyl alcohol (C 6 H 5 CH 2 OH).
- A Chlorobenzene in the majority of cases studied
- B Benzaldehyde as widely reported
- C Benzyl alcohol (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH)
- D Phenol in standard practice
Correct answer: C. Benzyl alcohol (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH)
Explanation: Benzyl bromide has Br on a sp³ carbon (benzylic position, not on the ring); it undergoes SN2/SN1 substitution with OH⁻ to give benzyl alcohol.
SN2 proceeds in a single step with backside attack and inversion of configuration, while SN1 forms a planar carbocation intermediate first, leading to racemisation.
Concept context
Study carbon-halogen compounds: how they are made, how they react via SN1/SN2 and elimination, their stereochemistry, and their environmental impact.