In the given reaction, 3-bromo-2,2-dimethylbutane 'A' (major product). Product A is:
- (A)2-Ethoxy-2,3-dimethyl butane✓ Correct
- (B)2-Hydroxy-3,3-dimethyl butane.
- (C)2-Ethoxy-3,3-dimethyl butane
- (D)1-Ethoxy-3,3-dimethyl butane.
Answer: (A)
Solution
Ethanol is a weak nucleophile but a good ionising solvent, so the reaction goes through a carbocation. Loss of bromide from gives a secondary cation sitting next to a quaternary carbon, and a -methyl shift from that carbon converts it into the much more stable tertiary cation . Ethanol adds its oxygen to this tertiary centre and the oxonium ion formed loses a proton to a second molecule of ethanol. The major product is 2-ethoxy-2,3-dimethylbutane.
JEE Main · 2021 · 20 Jul 2021 · Shift 1 · Single correct option