Q. In an addition reaction of HBr to an alkene, what is the major product when the alkene is asymmetric?
A.
The product with the bromine on the more substituted carbon.
B.
The product with the bromine on the less substituted carbon.
C.
A racemic mixture of products.
D.
No reaction occurs.
Solution
According to Markovnikov's rule, in the addition of HBr to an asymmetric alkene, the hydrogen will add to the less substituted carbon, and the bromine will add to the more substituted carbon.
Correct Answer:
A
— The product with the bromine on the more substituted carbon.
Q. What is the mechanism of the reaction between an alkyl halide and a nucleophile in a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) reaction?
A.
The nucleophile attacks the carbon from the opposite side of the leaving group.
B.
The nucleophile attacks the carbon from the same side as the leaving group.
C.
The reaction proceeds through a carbocation intermediate.
D.
The reaction involves the formation of a cyclic intermediate.
Solution
In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom from the opposite side of the leaving group, leading to a backside attack and inversion of configuration.
Correct Answer:
A
— The nucleophile attacks the carbon from the opposite side of the leaving group.
