Chapter 9, Problem 9.82P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason the compound shown is highly unreactive under conditions that favor E2 reactions is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

An E2 reaction is favored by the anti coplanar conformation of the substrate, in which the H atom and the leaving group that are eliminated are anti to each other about the $\text{C-C}$ bond involved in the reaction. The E2 reaction is stereospecific.