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The correct statement regarding nucleophilic substitution reaction in a chiral alkyl halide is: (1) Retention occurs in S_N1 reaction and inversion occurs in S_N2 reaction (2) Racemisation occurs in both S_N1 and S_N2 reactions (3) Racemisation occurs in S_N1 reaction and inversion occurs in S_N2 reaction (4) Racemisation occurs in S_N1 reaction and retention occurs in S_N2 reaction.

1. (1) Retention occurs in S_N1 reaction and inversion occurs in S_N2 reaction
2. (2) Racemisation occurs in both S_N1 and S_N2 reactions
3. (3) Racemisation occurs in S_N1 reaction and inversion occurs in S_N2 reaction
4. (4) Racemisation occurs in S_N1 reaction and retention occurs in S_N2 reaction

Correct answer: (3) Racemisation occurs in S_N1 reaction and inversion occurs in S_N2 reaction

Solution

In an S_N1 reaction, the formation of a planar carbocation intermediate allows for the possibility of attack from either side, leading to racemisation. In contrast, S_N2 reactions involve a direct backside attack by the nucleophile, resulting in inversion of configuration at the chiral center.

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