Answer: a largely racemised mixture.
- A a single product with full retention
- B a single product with full inversion
- C a largely racemised mixture
- D an achiral meso product
Correct answer: C. a largely racemised mixture
Explanation: The planar carbocation of S<sub>N</sub>1 is attacked from both faces, giving substantial racemisation rather than a single enantiomer.
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.