Question

The major product formed in the following reaction is

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The reaction involves a halo ketone compound reacting with sodium methoxide (NaOMe) in methanol (MeOH). This is a typical example of a dehydrohalogenation reaction where NaOMe acts as a base to remove a hydrogen and a halogen atom, resulting in the formation of an alkene. The major steps are as follows:

1. Formation of the enolate ion: The NaOMe deprotonates the hydrogen atom adjacent to the carbonyl group, forming an enolate ion. This stabilization is provided by resonance and the electronegative oxygen of the enolate.
2. Elimination reaction: The enolate form enables the removal of the adjacent bromine atom, leading to the formation of a double bond.
3. Formation of the alkene: The double bond is formed between the alpha and beta carbons relative to the ketone group, resulting in the formation of an alkene product.

Considering these reaction steps, the major product formed in this reaction is the alkene derived from the elimination of hydrogen and bromine atoms adjacent to the carbonyl group.

This image represents the major product of the reaction, where you can observe the double bond formation as a result of the elimination process.