Question

What compound is formed when 2,2-dimethyloxirane (2-methyl-1,2-epoxypropane) is treated with ethanol containing sulfuric acid

Answer 1

2-ethoxy-2-methylpropan-1-ol

Step-by-step explanation:

On this reaction, we have an "epoxide" (2-methyl-1,2-epoxypropane). Additionally, we have acid medium (due to the sulfuric acid
`H_2SO_4`). The acid medium will produce the hydronium ion (
`H^+`). This ion would be attacked by the oxygen of the epoxide. Then a carbocation would be produced, in this case, the most stable carbocation is the tertiary one. Then an ethanol molecule acts as a nucleophile and will attack the carbocation. Finally, a deprotonation step takes place to produce 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropan-1-ol.

See figure 1

I hope it helps!