Rates of reactions of LiOCHs, LiSGHs, KI and (CH3) aN with benzyl chloride and its o- methyl and o-bromo derivatives have been measured; AHS and AS values have been determined. The reagents of higher polarizability (I-and CsHsS-) are especially reactive, relative to CHsO-, with substrates carrying ortho substituents of higher polarizability. London interactions in the transition state are tentatively judged to be responsible. Experimental ...