What is the major product of the reaction of 2-bromo-2-methylpropane with a strong base?

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Q: What is the major product of the reaction of 2-bromo-2-methylpropane with a strong base?

Solution: The strong base induces an E2 elimination reaction, leading to the formation of 2-methylpropene as the major product.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Identify the reactant, which is 2-bromo-2-methylpropane. This compound has a bromine atom attached to a carbon that is also connected to three other carbon atoms.
Step 2: Recognize that a strong base is present in the reaction. Strong bases can remove protons (H+) from molecules.
Step 3: Understand that the strong base will induce an E2 elimination reaction. In this type of reaction, the base removes a hydrogen atom from a carbon adjacent to the carbon with the bromine.
Step 4: Identify the hydrogen atom that will be removed. In 2-bromo-2-methylpropane, the base will typically remove a hydrogen from one of the methyl groups (the CH3 groups) adjacent to the carbon with the bromine.
Step 5: As the base removes the hydrogen, the bromine atom leaves, resulting in the formation of a double bond between the two carbons. This leads to the formation of 2-methylpropene.
Step 6: Conclude that the major product of the reaction is 2-methylpropene, which is an alkene with a double bond.