Chapter 10.10, Problem 30P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The product obtained when 3-bromo-3-methylpentane reacts with hydroxide ion under ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2/E2}$ and ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{1/E1}$ has to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Substitution reaction:

The ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ reaction is a type of reaction mechanism in which one bond is broken and one bond is formed i.e., in one step. ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ is a kind of nucleophilic substitution reaction mechanism.  The nucleophile attacks the back side of the carbon that is attached to the halogen. Therefore it takes an inversion of configuration.  The configuration of the product is inverted relative to the configuration of the reactant.

Elimination reaction:

E1 reaction is a unimolecular elimination reaction in which rate of the reaction depends on the concentration of alkyl halide.

The alkyl halide dissociates to form a carbocation. The base abstract a proton from the $\text{β-carbon}$.

An E2 reaction is favoured by a high concentration of a strong base.

An E1 reaction is favoured by a low concentration of a weak base.