Question

The major product in the reaction is:

• A. t-Butyl ethyl ether
• B. 2, 2-Dimethyl butane
• C. 2-Methyl pent-1-ene
• D. 2-Methyl prop-1-ene

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The given reaction involves Elimination, specifically an E2 reaction. Let us analyze the mechanism and determine the major product.

1. Structure Analysis: The reactant is an alkyl chloride with a strong base, potassium ethoxide (\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{O}^−\text{K}^+).

2. E2 Mechanism: In E2 reactions, a strong base abstracts a proton from the β-carbon, leading to the elimination of the leaving group (in this case, \text{Cl}^−). The β-hydrogen is removed preferentially from the more substituted carbon, forming a more stable alkene.

   The reaction can be represented as follows:

3. Formation of the Major Product: Removal of a β-hydrogen leads to the formation of a double bond, resulting in the formation of 2-Methyl prop-1-ene.

   This compound is a more stable alkene due to the higher degree of substitution, which follows Zaitsev's rule (the more substituted alkene is preferred).

4. Conclusion: The major product of the reaction is 2-Methyl prop-1-ene.

   • Other options are less likely due to either steric hindrance or less thermodynamic stability.

The correct option is: 2-Methyl prop-1-ene