A researcher intends to convert an optically active secondary alcohol into its corresponding alkyl c — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

A) True. In Exp 1 (no base), the $S_Ni$ mechanism relies on an internal cyclic transition state providing retention. B) True. In Exp 2, pyridine forms pyridinium chloride, providing free $Cl^-$ which performs a backside $S_N2$ attack, causing inversion. C) False. They yield opposite stereoisomers (Exp 1 = retention; Exp 2 = inversion). D) False. The alkyl chlorosulphite ester intermediate is formed initially in both reactions; it is the subsequent decomposition step that diverges based on the presence of the free $Cl^-$ nucleophile.