Consider the following reaction:
`C_6H_5-underset(H)underset(|)overset(CH_3)overset(|)C-Br+H_2Oto OH-underset(H)underset(|)overset(CH_3)overset(|)C-C_6H_5+HBr`
The reaction proceeds with 98% racemistation. The reaction may follow

Options

A. `S_(N^1)` mechanism
B. `S_(N^2)` mechanism
C. E1 mechanism
D. E2 mechanism

Explanation

To analyze the given reaction and determine the mechanism it follows, we will break down the steps involved in the reaction and the characteristics of the mechanisms.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reaction Components:**
The reaction involves a haloalkane (C6H5C(CH3)Br) and water (H2O) as reactants, producing an alcohol (C6H5C(CH3)OH) and HBr as products.

2. **Understand the Mechanism:**
The reaction proceeds with 98% racemization, indicating that the product is a racemic mixture of enantiomers. This is a key characteristic of the SN1 mechanism, which typically results in racemization due to the formation of a planar carbocation intermediate.

3. **Formation of Carbocation:**
In the first step of the SN1 mechanism, the bromine (Br) leaves, forming a carbocation (C6H5C(CH3)+). This step is the rate-determining step and is unimolecular, meaning the rate of reaction depends only on the concentration of the haloalkane.

4. **Nucleophilic Attack:**
In the second step, water (acting as a nucleophile) attacks the carbocation. Since the carbocation is planar, the nucleophile can attack from either side, leading to the formation of both enantiomers of the alcohol.

5. **Role of Solvent:**
The use of water as a solvent is significant because it is a polar protic solvent, which stabilizes the carbocation and facilitates the leaving of the bromide ion (Br-).

6. **Conclusion:**
Based on the above analysis, the reaction follows the SN1 mechanism due to the formation of a carbocation and the racemization of the product.

### Final Answer:
The reaction may follow the **SN1 mechanism**.

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