Reaction of C6H5CH2Br with aqueous sodium hydroxide follows ........  .

1.  SN1mechanism

2.  SN2 mechanism

3.  Any of the above wo depending upon the temperature of reaction

4.  Saytzetf rule

SN1 mechanism is completely rely on the stability of carbocation intermediate, As the stability of

carbocation will increase, the rate and possibility of SN1 mechanism will increase. For the given substrate since stable carbocation is involved, Hence mechanism of reaction is SN1. Here this benzyl carbocation is stabilized by resonance of benzene ring double bonds.