When 2-bromo-2-methylbutane is treated with a sterically bulky base like potassium tert-butoxide, th — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question
Question
When 2-bromo-2-methylbutane is treated with a sterically bulky base like potassium tert-butoxide, the major product is:
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
A massive, sterically hindered base cannot reach the internal $\beta$ -hydrogens to form the more stable alkene. Instead, it abstracts an exposed terminal proton, yielding the less substituted Hofmann alkene.
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