Identify the products of the reaction between 2-bromopentane and potassium ethoxide.
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) None of the above are the major products of the reaction.

Question

Identify the products of the reaction between 2-bromopentane and potassium ethoxide. 
A) A 
B) B 
C) C 
D) D 
E) None of the above are the major products of the reaction.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction between 2-bromopentane and potassium ethoxide is an example of an elimination reaction known as the E2 reaction. In the E2 reaction, a strong base abstracts a proton on a beta carbon (in this case, the carbon adjacent to the bromine) while a leaving group (the bromine) leaves the molecule. The major products of the reaction are the most substituted alkene (in this case, 2-pentene) and the corresponding alcohol (in this case, pentan-2-ol). Option C shows the correct products of this reaction.

Identify the Products of the Reaction Between 2-Bromopentane and Potassium