Which chloride is the most reactive towards aqueous NaOH in -

Options

A. Methyl chloride
B. Chlorobenzene
C. Vinyl chloride
D. Benzyl chloride

Answer

To determine which chloride is the most reactive towards aqueous NaOH, we need to analyze the reactivity of different types of alkyl chlorides based on their ability to undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Types of Chlorides**:
We need to consider the following chlorides:
- Methyl Chloride (CH3Cl)
- Vinyl Chloride (CH2=CHCl)
- Benzyl Chloride (C6H5CH2Cl)
- Chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl)

2. **Understand the Mechanism of Reaction**:
The reaction of these chlorides with aqueous NaOH will proceed via nucleophilic substitution. The nucleophile in this case is the hydroxide ion (OH⁻).

3. **Determine the Type of Mechanism**:
- For methyl chloride, the reaction will proceed via an **SN2 mechanism** due to the primary nature of the carbon.
- For benzyl chloride, the reaction will proceed via an **SN1 mechanism** because it can form a stable benzylic carbocation.
- Vinyl chloride and chlorobenzene are less reactive due to the presence of double bonds and resonance stabilization, which makes the carbon-chlorine bond stronger.

4. **Stability of Carbocations**:
- **Methyl Chloride**: Forms a methyl carbocation (very unstable).
- **Benzyl Chloride**: Forms a benzylic carbocation, which is stabilized by resonance (very stable).
- **Vinyl Chloride**: Forms a vinyl carbocation, which is unstable due to sp² hybridization.
- **Chlorobenzene**: The carbon-chlorine bond has partial double bond character due to resonance, making it very unreactive.

5. **Conclusion**:
Among the given options, **Benzyl Chloride** (C6H5CH2Cl) is the most reactive towards aqueous NaOH because it can form a stable benzylic carbocation, making it favorable for nucleophilic substitution.

### Final Answer:
**Benzyl Chloride (C6H5CH2Cl) is the most reactive towards aqueous NaOH.**

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