Chapter 11, Problem 11.54AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The absolute stereo chemical configuration of $(+)\text{-2-methyloxirane}$ is to be proposed.

Concept introduction:

An epoxide undergoes ring opening reactions with a base to give a product with inversion configuration. The nucleophile attacks on the less substituted carbon. The reaction proceeds through ${\text{S}}_{\text{N}}\text{2}$ mechanism and epoxide oxygen behaves as a leaving group which remains on the same product molecule.