Chapter 10, Problem 10.49P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The stereoisomer of $\text{2, 6-dibromocyclohexanol}$ consistent with the formation of the product shown as the only product of the given reaction is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}1$ mechanism involves the formation of a carbocation as the first step. The carbocation is an ${\text{sp}}^{\text{2}}$ hybridized carbocation that allows the nucleophile to approach from two directions. This gives a mixture of isomers.

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ mechanism is a single-step mechanism. In ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}2$ mechanism the nucleophile must approach the electron-poor carbon from the opposite direction of the leaving group. The result case is a single product with an inverted symmetry.