Chapter 19: Q73E (page 648)
The SN2 reaction of (dibromomethyl)benzene, C6H5CHBr2, withNaOH yields benzaldehyde rather than (dihydroxymethyl)benzene,C6H5CH(OH)2. Explain.
Short Answer
It is because the presence of two hydroxyl group on one carbon makes the molecule unstable.

Dibromomethyl benzenebenzaldehyde



