For each of the following reactions, draw the major elimination product; if the product can exist as stereoisomers, indicate which stereoisomer is obtained in greater yield. a. (R)-2-bromohexane + high concentration of CH3O− b. (R)-3-bromo-3-methylhexane + CH3OH
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Step 1: Identify the type of elimination reaction (E1 or E2) for each case. For (a), the presence of a strong base (CH3O−) and high concentration suggests an E2 mechanism. For (b), the presence of a weak base/nucleophile (CH3OH) suggests an E1 mechanism.
Step 2: For (a), in an E2 reaction, the elimination occurs in a single step. Identify the β-hydrogens (hydrogens on the carbon adjacent to the carbon bearing the leaving group, Br). Use the anti-periplanar geometry rule, where the β-hydrogen and the leaving group must be in opposite planes for elimination to occur.
Step 3: For (a), determine the major product by applying Zaitsev's rule, which states that the more substituted alkene is generally favored. Draw the possible alkenes and identify the one with the greater degree of substitution. If stereoisomers are possible, consider the anti-periplanar geometry to determine the major stereoisomer.
Step 4: For (b), in an E1 reaction, the first step is the formation of a carbocation by the loss of the leaving group (Br). Since the carbocation is tertiary, it is stable and does not rearrange. Next, identify the β-hydrogens and apply Zaitsev's rule to determine the major product. The more substituted alkene will be favored.
Step 5: For (b), if stereoisomers are possible, the E1 mechanism does not have the strict anti-periplanar requirement of E2. Therefore, both E and Z isomers may form, but the more stable stereoisomer (typically the E isomer due to less steric hindrance) will be obtained in greater yield.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Elimination Reactions
Elimination reactions involve the removal of a leaving group and a hydrogen atom from adjacent carbon atoms, resulting in the formation of a double bond. In organic chemistry, these reactions can follow either an E1 or E2 mechanism, depending on the substrate and reaction conditions. Understanding the mechanism is crucial for predicting the structure of the elimination product.
Stereochemistry refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and how this affects their chemical behavior. In elimination reactions, the stereochemistry of the starting material can influence the stereochemical outcome of the product, leading to the formation of different stereoisomers. Recognizing which stereoisomer is favored can help in predicting the major product formed.
Regioselectivity is the preference of a chemical reaction to yield one structural isomer over others when multiple products are possible. In elimination reactions, the stability of the resulting alkene can dictate which product is formed preferentially. Factors such as sterics and electronic effects play a significant role in determining the regioselectivity of the elimination process.