Consider the following reaction and identify the major product (P): (3-methylbutan-2-ol)
Answer: (A) (A) (2-bromo-2-methylbutane). \textbf{Answer:} (A) (2-bromo-2-methylbutane) \textbf{Solution:} 3-Methylbutan-2-ol reacts with HBr by an pathway.
- A.(A) (2-bromo-2-methylbutane)✓
- B.(B) (2-methylbut-2-ene)
- C.(C) (2-bromo-3-methylbutane)
- D.(D) (1-bromo-2,2-dimethylpropane)
Correct Answer
(A) (A) (2-bromo-2-methylbutane)
Solution & Explanation
\textbf{Answer:} (A) (2-bromo-2-methylbutane) \textbf{Solution:} 3-Methylbutan-2-ol reacts with HBr by an pathway. Protonation of and loss of water gives a secondary carbocation at C-2. A 1,2-hydride shift from the adjacent C-3 then converts it into the more stable tertiary carbocation (positive charge now on C-3, which bears two methyls). Capture of this carbocation by gives the tertiary bromide, 2-bromo-2-methylbutane . Direct substitution without rearrangement would give 2-bromo-3-methylbutane (C), but the rearranged tertiary product (A) is the major product.
