Predict the major product for the following reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction involves nucleophilic substitution of the bromine atom with the hydroxide ion to form a new C-O bond. The product with the highest yield and lowest energy would result from the hydroxide ion attacking the carbon atom directly adjacent to the bromine atom, leading to the formation of a more stable tertiary alcohol (I) compared to the other possible products (II, III and IV) which would form less stable secondary or primary alcohols. Therefore, the major product is I.

Predict the Major Product for the Following Reaction