Which of the following is the major E2 product formed from the following alkyl halide?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major E2 product will have the most substituted double bond, so we must look at the alkyl groups attached to the carbons adjacent to the halogen. In this case, there is a methyl group and an ethyl group on the adjacent carbons. The ethyl group is larger and will therefore stabilize the double bond more effectively than the methyl group. Thus, the major product will have the ethyl group on the same side as the leaving group, while the methyl group will be anti to the leaving group. This is shown in option II.

Which of the Following Is the Major E2 Product Formed