In an SN1 reaction, which step is rate-determining?

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Formation of the carbocation
Nucleophilic attack
Deprotonation
Rearrangement

Questions & Step-by-step Solutions

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Q: In an SN1 reaction, which step is rate-determining?

Solution: The formation of the carbocation is the rate-determining step in an SN1 reaction, as it involves breaking the bond to the leaving group.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Understand that an SN1 reaction involves two main steps.
Step 2: Identify the first step, which is the breaking of the bond to the leaving group.
Step 3: Recognize that this first step leads to the formation of a carbocation.
Step 4: Realize that the formation of the carbocation is slow and determines the overall rate of the reaction.
Step 5: Conclude that the rate-determining step in an SN1 reaction is the formation of the carbocation.

In an SN1 reaction, which step is rate-determining?

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