In the following reaction: The major product is:

In the following reaction:

The major product is:
A -
B -
C -
D -

Detailed Solution


Step 1: $H^+$ adds to the terminal carbon, giving the secondary carbocation $(CH_3)_3C-\overset{+}{C}H-CH_3$.
Step 2: A 1,2-methyl shift converts it into the more stable tertiary carbocation $(CH_3)_2\overset{+}{C}-CH(CH_3)_2$.
Step 3: Water attacks the tertiary carbocation to give the protonated alcohol.
Step 4: Loss of $H^+$ gives $(CH_3)_2C(OH)-CH(CH_3)_2$ (2,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol), the major product.
The unrearranged alcohol $(CH_3)_3C-CH(OH)-CH_3$ is the minor product.

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Practise Electrophilic addition to alkenes All 3 questions This chapter in 2012 AIPMT-PRE