Answer:
The compound a is 1-methyl cyclohexene (see attachment for structure).
Explanation:
The reaction of 1-Bromo-1-methylcyclohexane with sodium methoxide is a <u>second-order reaction</u> since the <u>methoxide ion is a strong base</u> and also a strong nucleophile. This ion attacks the alkyl halide faster than the alkyl halide can ionize to produce a first-order reaction. However, we can not see the product of nucleophilic substitution. The SN₂ mechanism is blocked due to the <u>impediment of the 1-Bromo-1-methylcyclohexane</u>. The main product, according to the Zaitsev rule, is the 1-methyl cyclohexene, thus forming a <u>double bond</u>.
Then, this cyclohexene is hydrogenated to form the cyclohexane.
