What is the major product which results when (2R,3S)-2-chloro-3-phenylbutane is treated with sodium methoxide in methanol?
A)(E)-2-phenyl-2-butene
B)(Z)-2-phenyl-2-butene
C)(S)-3-phenyl-1-butene
D)(R)-3-phenyl-1-butene
E)(R)-2-methoxy-2-phenylbutane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When (2R,3S)-2-chloro-3-phenylbutane is treated with sodium methoxide in methanol, an elimination reaction occurs, resulting in the formation of an alkene. The product is the more stable alkene, which will be the one with the lower energy, in this case, the (Z)-2-phenyl-2-butene. The (Z)-stereoisomer is favored over the (E)-stereoisomer due to steric hindrance between the phenyl group and the chlorine atom. Therefore, the major product is (Z)-2-phenyl-2-butene.

What Is the Major Product Which Results When (2R,3S)-2-Chloro-3-Phenylbutane Is