Question

In the bromine addition reactions of trans cinnamic acid and trans anethole:

a) Both compounds show the same stereochemistry in the reaction.
b) Only trans cinnamic acid displays stereochemistry differences.
c) Only trans anethole exhibits stereochemistry differences.
d) Neither compound displays any stereochemistry changes in the reaction.

Answer 1

In the bromine addition reactions of trans cinnamic acid and trans anethole, only trans anethole exhibits stereochemistry differences. Both (R) and (S) configurations are produced equally in the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bromine addition reactions of trans cinnamic acid and trans anethole exhibit stereochemistry differences. In the reaction, only trans anethole displays stereochemistry differences. When the nucleophile attacks the carbocation intermediate from either side, it results in a racemic mixture of the product. This means that both (R) and (S) configurations are produced equally.