Benzyl chloride is more reactive than chlorobenzene towards nucleophilic substitution. Explain.

Explanation

Less reactivity of chlorobenzene. Explain an the basis of resonance of state of hybridisation of C-atom-Try yourself. More reactivity of benzyl chloride : Nucleophilic substitution in benzyl chloride follows Syi mechanism. This is because the intermediate benzylcation is resonance stabilized. For example reaction of benzyl chloride with KOH(aq) proceeds as follows:

As the intermediate benzyl cation is resonance stabilised the reaction is quite fast.