Question

A solution of (+) - 2-chloro-2-phenylethane in toluene racemises slowly in the presence of small amounts of SbCl₅, due to the formation of 

(a) carbocation 

(b) carbanion 

(c) free radical 

(d) carbene

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) carbocation

Sb accepts the Cl⁻ ion and this forms the carbocation, now since attack on carbocation is possible from any side of plane, so Cl⁻ attacks from both side which leads to racemisation.

(+)-2-chloro-2-phenylethane