Chapter 17, Problem 62IP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The product of the given reaction should be identified, if 1,2-dibromocycloheptane reacts with excess of potassium tert-butoxide in the given reaction.

Concept introduction:

• The conjugated dienes absorb UV light.
• In an elimination reaction, alkenes are formed when alkyl halides are treated with bases via eliminating one proton and one halo group of the alkyl halide.
• E2 reaction is a bimolecular elimination reaction in which only one step is involved and it is favored by the strong bases.
• The product of the elimination reaction is depends upon the two β-positions of alkyl halide. If the β-positions are identical and the products formed are also identical.
• Potassium tert-butoxide is a strong bulky base.

To identify: the product of the given reaction of 1,2-dibromocycloheptane and excess of potassium tert-butoxide and it absorbs UV light.

#assumes E2 reactions are involved in the given reaction (because the product should have double bonds to absorb UV light).