What type of reactive intermediate is formed in the reaction of methyl propene with methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst to give methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)?
A) tert-butyl cation
B) tert-butyl radical
C) tert-butyl anion
D) tert-butoxide

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction of methyl propene with methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst to give methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) involves the formation of a tert-butyl cation as the reactive intermediate. This occurs through the protonation of the double bond in methyl propene, leading to the formation of a more stable tertiary carbocation, which then reacts with methanol to form MTBE.

What Type of Reactive Intermediate Is Formed in the Reaction