Question

Select the major product that would result from the reaction: CH3CH2CH CH2 HBr

CHjCHBrCH2CH3
CHaICHBr)2CH3
CH&CH2CH2CH2Br
CH2CH2CH2CH3

Answer 1

The question involves determining the major alkyl halide product of an alcohol reacting with HBr via SN1 or SN2 mechanisms. Tertiary alcohols typically react via the SN1 mechanism, while primary alcohols favor the SN2 mechanism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question relates to the major product of a reaction with HBr, where different alcohols can react to form alkyl halides. The reaction mechanisms mentioned suggest that different alcohols react via SN1 or SN2 mechanisms based on the structure of the starting alcohol. For example:

• (CH3)3C-OH + HBr —> (CH3)3C-Br + H2O via SN1 mechanism.
• CH2CH2-OH + HBr —> CH2CH2-Br + H₂O by SN2 mechanism.

These reactions proceed by protonation of the hydroxyl group, followed by loss of water to create a carbocation (SN1) or direct displacement of the hydroxyl group by bromide (SN2). The major product for primary alcohols is generally formed via the SN2 mechanism, while for tertiary alcohols, the SN1 mechanism is more common due to the stability of the tertiary carbocation intermediate.