What results when cyclopentene oxide is treated with aqueous base?
A) a racemic mixture of trans-1,2-diols
B) a meso trans-1,2-diol
C) a racemic mixture of cis-1,2-diols
D) a meso cis-1,2-diol
E) cyclopentene

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cyclopentene oxide, when treated with an aqueous base, undergoes a ring-opening reaction to form a racemic mixture of trans-1,2-diols. The base attacks the less hindered carbon, leading to inversion of configuration and resulting in trans diols.

What Results When Cyclopentene Oxide Is Treated with Aqueous Base