Reactions of `C_(6)H_(5)CH_(2)Br` with aqueous sodium hydroxide follows……..

Options

A. `S_(N)1` mechanism
B. `S_(N)2` mechanism
C. Any of the above two depending upon the temperature of reaction
D. saytzeff rule

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the reaction of `C_(6)H_(5)CH_(2)Br` with aqueous sodium hydroxide, we will break down the process step by step.

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactant given is `C6H5CH2Br`, which is benzyl bromide. We are reacting this with aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Type
Benzyl bromide is a primary alkyl halide. When it reacts with a strong nucleophile like hydroxide ion (OH⁻), it can undergo nucleophilic substitution.

### Step 3: Mechanism of the Reaction
1. **Ionization of the Alkyl Halide**: The first step involves the departure of the bromide ion (Br⁻) from benzyl bromide, leading to the formation of a benzyl carbocation (`C6H5CH2+`). This is facilitated by the polar nature of the aqueous medium, which stabilizes the ions formed.

\[ C6H5CH2Br \rightarrow C6H5CH2^+ + Br^- \]

2. **Nucleophilic Attack**: The hydroxide ion (OH⁻) from sodium hydroxide then attacks the carbocation. This results in the formation of benzyl alcohol (`C6H5CH2OH`).

\[ C6H5CH2^+ + OH^- \rightarrow C6H5CH2OH \]

3. **Formation of By-products**: The by-product of this reaction is sodium bromide (NaBr), which is formed when Br⁻ combines with Na⁺ from the dissociation of NaOH.

### Step 4: Final Reaction Equation
Putting everything together, the overall reaction can be summarized as:

\[ C6H5CH2Br + NaOH \rightarrow C6H5CH2OH + NaBr \]

### Step 5: Determine the Reaction Mechanism
Since the reaction involves the formation of a stable carbocation intermediate and proceeds through two distinct steps (ionization followed by nucleophilic attack), it follows the SN1 mechanism.

### Conclusion
The reaction of `C6H5CH2Br` with aqueous sodium hydroxide follows an SN1 reaction mechanism.

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