Question

What is the major product formed in the E2 reaction of (1S,2S)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexane?

A) (1S,2S)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexene
B) (1R,2R)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexene
C) (1R,2S)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexene
D) (1S,2R)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexene

Answer 1

The major product formed in the E2 reaction of (1S,2S)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexane is (1R,2S)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexene.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major product formed in the E2 reaction of (1S,2S)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexane is (c) (1R,2S)-1-chloro-1-phenyl-2-methylhexene.

In an E2 reaction, the halide ion and a hydrogen atom are eliminated from the reactant molecule. The product formed will have a double bond between the two carbon atoms that were originally bonded to the halogen and hydrogen atoms, respectively.

In this case, the chlorine atom and the hydrogen atom will be eliminated from the adjacent carbon atoms, resulting in the formation of a double bond between those carbon atoms. Since the stereochemistry of the starting compound is (1S,2S), the resulting product will have a (1R,2S) stereochemistry.