Question

Alkyl iodides are the ___ reactive towards SN1 and E1 AND alkyl flourides are the ____ reactive

Answer 1

Alkyl iodides are the most reactive, while alkyl fluorides are the least reactive, towards SN1 and E1 mechanisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alkyl iodides are the most reactive towards SN1 and E1 mechanisms, while alkyl fluorides are the least reactive.

In SN1 and E1 reactions, the rate-determining step involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate. Tertiary alkyl halides, such as alkyl iodides, easily form stable carbocations, making them highly reactive in SN1 and E1 reactions. On the other hand, primary alkyl halides, like alkyl fluorides, are less reactive due to the instability of the resulting carbocation.

For example, when reacted with a nucleophile or a strong base, alkyl iodides will readily undergo SN1 or E1 reactions, while alkyl fluorides will be less likely to undergo these reactions.