The correct order of reactivity of the compounds
(I) `C_(6)H_(5)H_(2)(Br)`, (II) `C_(6)H_(5)CH(C_(6)H_(5))Br`, (III) `C_(6)H_(5)CH(CH_(3))Br`, (IV) `C_(6)H_(5)C(CH_(3))(C_(6)H_(5))Br` in the increasing order of reactivity in `S_(N^(2))` reactions is

Options

A. (I) lt (II) lt (III) lt (IV)
B. (IV) lt (III) lt (II) lt (I)
C. (I) lt (III) lt (II) lt (IV)
D. (IV) lt (II) lt (III) lt (I)

Answer

C

Explanation

Of the two secondary bromides (II) and (III). The carbocation intermediate obtained from (II) `C_(6)H_(5)CH(C_(6)H_(5))Br` is more stable than that obtained from (III) `C_(6)H_(5)CH(CH_(3))Br` because it is stabilized by two phenyl groups due to resonance.