Dextrorotatory isomers are denoted by placing a positive (+) sign before the degree of rotation, indicating a clockwise rotation. Laevo-rotatory isomers are denoted by a negative (–) sign before the degree of rotation, indicating a counterclockwise rotation.

Optical activity refers to the ability of certain compounds to rotate the plane of plane-polarized light. It is measured using a polarimeter, with a clockwise rotation (+) indicating dextrorotatory and a counterclockwise rotation (–) indicating laevo-rotatory.

Tertiary alkyl halides undergo SN₁ reactions more rapidly due to the higher stability of the resulting tertiary carbocations, making their formation easier and the reaction faster.

The rate of an SN₁ reaction is determined by the concentration of the alkyl halide, as the reaction occurs in two steps, with the slowest step being the cleavage of the polarized C–Br bond.

Polar protic solvents, such as water, alcohol, and acetic acid, are commonly used in SN₁ reactions.