Which stereochemical outcome is predominantly expected when an optically active tertiary alkyl halid — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

$S_N1$ proceeds via an $sp^2$ planar carbocation. Nucleophilic attack is equally probable from both faces, yielding a nearly 50:50 racemic mixture. A slight excess of inversion occurs due to the leaving group temporarily blocking the front face (intimate ion pair).