Question

Select the single best answer. Explain why (CH3)2CHCH(Br)CH2CH3 reacts faster than (CH3)2CHCH2CH(Br)CH3 in an E2 reaction, even though both alkyl halides are 2°. The second structure has more hydrogens attached to the β carbons than the first structure. The first structure has more hydrogens attached to the β carbons than the second structure. The major and minor products formed from the first structure have more alkyl groups on the C═C than those formed from the second structure. The major and minor products formed from the second structure have more alkyl groups on the C═C than those formed from the first structure.

Answer 1

Answer:

The major and minor products formed from the first structure have more alkyl groups on the C═C than those formed from the second structure

Explanation:

When we consider the structures of the major and minor products from the dehydrohalogenation of structure 1 by E2 mechanism, it is easy to see that the both products are highly substituted by alkyl groups. It is a fact in organic chemistry that the more substituted an alkene is the more stable it is and the more quickly it is formed; Hence the answer