Which cyclohexane derivative would you expect to react faster under E2 elimination conditions and why?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of E2 elimination depends on the strength of the base and steric hindrance around the scissile C-H bond. Both compounds have scissile C-H bonds that are antiperiplanar to the leaving group, so that factor is equal between them. However, compound B has a smaller substituent (methyl group) compared to compound A (t-butyl group), making it less sterically hindered. This means that the base can approach the scissile C-H bond more easily, leading to a faster E2 elimination reaction. Therefore, compound B is expected to react faster under E2 elimination conditions.

Which Cyclohexane Derivative Would You Expect to React Faster Under