An optically active compound having molecular formula `C_(7)H_(15)Br` reacts with aqueous KOH to give a racemic mixture of products write the mechanism involved in the reaction.

Explanation

A racemic mixture as we know, can be formed if the alkyl halide takes part in `S_(N^(1))` reaction. The order of reactivity of alkyl halides is : `3^(@) lt 2^(@) lt 1^(@)`. The given molecular formula `C_(7)H_(15)Br` suggests that the alkyl halide is tertiary and is also optically active in nature. the possible structural formula for the compound is

On reacting with aqueous KOH, it will form an alcohol in which the attacking nuclephile is `OH^(-)` ion. The mechanism for
The product is a mixture of the two enantiomers formed in equal proportions. It is therefore, a racemix `(+-)` mixture and optically inactive.