A solution of ( + )-1-chloro-1-phenylethane in t toluene racemises slowly in the presence of a small amount of `SbCl_(5)` due to the formation of

Options

A. free radical
B. carbanion
C. carbene
D. carbocation

Answer

D

Explanation

In presence of `SbCl_(5)`, (-)-1-chloro-1-phenylethane forms a carbocation as shown:
`CH_(3)-CHCl-C_(6)H_(5)+SbCl_(5)to[CH_(3)-overset(+)(C)H-C_(6)H_(5)]SbCl_(6)^(-)`
Since the carbocation is a planar species, therefore, it can be attacked by `SbCl_(6)^(-)` either from the top or the botton face with equal ease. as a result, a 50:50 mixture of two enantiomers of 1-chloro-1-phenylethane are formed, i.e., (-)-1-chloro-1-phenylethane undergoes racemization due to the formation of a carbocation intermediate.