Which of the following alkenes is the major product when 2-bromo-2-methylpentane is treated with sodium ethoxide in ethanol?
A) 2-methylpent-1-ene
B) 2-methylpent-2-ene
C) (E)-4-methylpent-2-ene
D) (Z)-4-methylpent-2-ene
E) 4-methylpent-1-ene

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction described is an example of an E2 elimination reaction. In such reactions, the base (sodium ethoxide, in this case) removes a hydrogen atom from a carbon adjacent to the carbon bearing the leaving group (bromo in 2-bromo-2-methylpentane), leading to the formation of a double bond. The most stable alkene is typically the major product, which is generally the most substituted alkene due to Zaitsev's rule. Therefore, 2-methylpent-2-ene is the major product because it is more substituted than the other alkenes listed, making it more stable.

Which of the Following Alkenes Is the Major Product When