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Multiple Choice
Determine the major product for the following reaction.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the reaction type: The reaction involves an ester and an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, which suggests a transesterification reaction.
Understand the mechanism: In transesterification, the alcohol attacks the carbonyl carbon of the ester, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate.
Protonation step: The acid catalyst protonates the carbonyl oxygen, increasing the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon, making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack by the alcohol.
Nucleophilic attack: The alcohol (isopropanol) acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of the ester, forming a tetrahedral intermediate.
Formation of the major product: The intermediate collapses, expelling the original alcohol group (methanol) and forming a new ester with the isopropyl group, resulting in the major product.