The mechanism of the reaction between tert-butyl alcohol and hydroxide ion involves the following steps.
Step 1 `CH_(3)-undersetunderset(Br)(|)oversetoverset(CH_(3))(|)(C)-CH_(3)rarrCH_(3)-underset(+)oversetoverset(CH_(3))(|)C-CH_(3)+Br^(-)`, Step 2 `CH_(3)-oversetoverset(CH_(3))(|)underset(+)(C)-CH_(3)+OH^(-)rarrCH_(3)-undersetunderset(OH)(|)oversetoverset(CH_(3))(|)(C)-CH_(3)`
Which of the following statements hold good for this mechanism?

Options

A. step 1 is fast and step 2 is slow
B. step 1 is slow and step 2 is fast
C. both steps 1 and 2 are slow
D. both steps 1 and 2 are fast

Answer

B

Explanation

The reaction follows `S_(N)1` mechanism with the formation of carbocation as the rate determining step. Thus, step 1 is slow while step 2 is fast.