Chapter 7.7, Problem 7.11E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Products expected from the reaction of bromocyclohexane with hydroxide ion should be determined.

Concept introduction: Carbocation formation is relatively slower than acid-base reactions. Carbocations generated from alkyl halides have two fates; they can be either trapped by nucleophiles to give substitution product or may deprotonated to yield small amount of alkene. Stronger the base more is the probability of elimination over substitution over elimination. Further, if still higher concentration is employed reaction proceeds via bimolecular elimination. On the other hand, weak base waits until the carbocation is formed and the type of elimination with relatively weak base is two-step elimination or $\text{E1}$ .