benzyl chloride can undergo both sn1 and sn2 reaction with high rate.explain

Benzyl halides react via SN1 and SN2 with equal probability..unless the reaction conditions are altered..

SN1: the benzyl carbocation formed in the rate determing step of the reaction is stable as the positive charge generated is spread over the ring.

SN2: recall the intermediate of the mechanism. The transition state involves a trigonal planar state where the leaving group and the nucleophile occupy the opposite lobe of the unhybridised p orbital lobe of the central C atom. In case of benzyl halides the ring es being planar to this p orbital can conjugate easily by delocalising the pi es..stabilising the transition state..and hence reaction occuring with equal probability via this pathway..