NEET Chemistry (general) MCQ Question
Which of the following statements about the reaction mechanisms of haloalkanes is correct?
Nucleophilic substitution reactions in haloalkanes typically involve an inversion of configuration at the carbon atom.
Retention of configuration occurs when a nucleophile attacks a carbon atom without breaking any bonds.
Haloalkanes react with nucleophiles primarily through a bimolecular mechanism.
The reaction of haloalkanes always results in the formation of a racemic mixture.
Correct Answer
Detailed Explanation
Statement A is correct as it describes the inversion of configuration during nucleophilic substitution reactions, which is supported by the description of the transition state in the NCERT context. Statement B is misleading because retention of configuration occurs when no bond to the stereocenter is broken, which is not typical for nucleophilic substitutions. Statement C is incorrect because haloalkanes can undergo both SN1 and SN2 mechanisms. Statement D is incorrect as not all reactions produce racemic mixtures.
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