Chapter 8.1, Problem 1P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Given that treatment of 2-bromo-2-methylbutane with KOH in ethanol yields a mixture of two alkenes as product. The likely structures of the two alkenes are to be given.

Concept introduction:

In dehydrohalogenation reactions removal of hydrogen halide takes place. The hydrogen is usually removed from the carbon adjacent to the carbon bearing the halogen (from β carbon). If the alkyl halide has hydrogen on more than one β carbon with a different substituent then hydrogen can be eliminated from all of them leading to a mixture of different alkenes.

To give:

The likely structures of the two alkenes that result when 2-bromo-2-methylbutane react with KOH in ethanol.