Which of the following compounds undergoes elimination to form an alkene when tr
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following compounds undergoes elimination to form an alkene when treated with a strong base?
1-bromobutane
2-bromobutane
1-bromo-2-methylpropane
2-bromo-2-methylpropane
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following compounds undergoes elimination to form an alkene when treated with a strong base?
Step 1: Understand what elimination means. Elimination is a chemical reaction where atoms or groups are removed from a molecule, often resulting in the formation of a double bond (alkene).
Step 2: Identify the compounds in the question. We have 2-bromobutane and 2-bromo-2-methylpropane.
Step 3: Recognize that a strong base can facilitate elimination reactions. Strong bases can remove a hydrogen atom and a leaving group (like bromine) to form an alkene.
Step 4: Analyze 2-bromobutane. It has a bromine atom that can leave, and there are hydrogen atoms available for elimination, allowing it to form an alkene.
Step 5: Analyze 2-bromo-2-methylpropane. This compound has a bromine atom, but it is surrounded by bulky groups (methyl groups), which makes it difficult for the base to access the hydrogen atoms needed for elimination. This is called steric hindrance.
Step 6: Conclude that 2-bromobutane can undergo elimination to form an alkene, while 2-bromo-2-methylpropane cannot due to steric hindrance.
