Why can't you prepare 2-tert-butylcyclohexanone by the following reaction? A)Because tert-butyl bromide is too basic. B)Because tert-butyl bromide cannot undergo an S_N2 reaction. C)Because tert-butyl bromide is a nucleophile. D)Because tert-butyl bromide is not a stable compound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given reaction involves a substitution at a tertiary carbon, which is not favorable due to steric hindrance. Therefore, the reaction cannot proceed via an SN1 mechanism. Additionally, the substrate is a cyclic ketone, which cannot undergo an SN2 reaction. Therefore, the reaction is not possible through any known mechanism.

Why Can't You Prepare 2-Tert-Butylcyclohexanone by the Following Reaction