Answer: 2-methylpropene (Zaitsev product).
- A 2-methyl-1-propanol in typical laboratory settings
- B 2-methylpropene (Zaitsev product)
- C 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropane under usual circumstances
- D 1-bromo-2-methylpropane according to most researchers
Correct answer: B. 2-methylpropene (Zaitsev product)
Explanation: Tertiary substrates strongly favour elimination over substitution with bulky bases; the Zaitsev rule predicts the more substituted (more stable) alkene, 2-methylpropene (isobutylene), as the major product.
SN2 proceeds in a single step with backside attack and inversion of configuration, while SN1 forms a planar carbocation intermediate first, leading to racemisation.
Concept context
Study carbon-halogen compounds: how they are made, how they react via SN1/SN2 and elimination, their stereochemistry, and their environmental impact.