In the Corey-House synthesis of alkanes, which of the following alkyl halides is NOT suitable for re — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Corey-House synthesis involves reacting a lithium dialkyl cuprate ($R_2CuLi$) with an alkyl halide ($R'-X$). For a successful coupling reaction, the alkyl halide ($R'-X$) must be primary or methyl. If a tertiary alkyl halide like $(CH_3)_3CBr$ is used, the strongly basic cuprate reagent will primarily cause an elimination reaction (E2), forming an alkene instead of the desired coupling alkane.