Skip to main content
Ch. 7 - Structure and Synthesis of Alkenes; Elimination
Wade - Organic Chemistry 9th Edition
Wade9th EditionOrganic ChemistryISBN: 9780135213728Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 50e

Predict the products formed by sodium hydroxide-promoted dehydrohalogenation of the following compounds. In each case, predict which will be the major product.
e. trans-1-bromo-2-methylcyclohexane

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the type of reaction: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base, and the reaction involves dehydrohalogenation, which is an elimination reaction (E2 mechanism). This means a β-hydrogen will be removed along with the halogen (bromine) to form a double bond.
Locate the β-hydrogens: In trans-1-bromo-2-methylcyclohexane, the bromine atom is attached to carbon-1. The β-hydrogens are located on the carbons adjacent to carbon-1 (i.e., carbon-2 and carbon-6).
Determine the stereochemistry: Since the compound is trans, the β-hydrogen and the bromine atom must be anti-periplanar (in opposite planes) for the E2 elimination to occur. Analyze the chair conformation of the cyclohexane ring to identify which β-hydrogen satisfies this condition.
Predict the possible products: Removing a β-hydrogen from carbon-2 or carbon-6 will result in the formation of a double bond. This will lead to the formation of two possible alkenes: one with the double bond between carbon-1 and carbon-2, and the other with the double bond between carbon-1 and carbon-6.
Determine the major product: According to Zaitsev's rule, the more substituted alkene (the one with more alkyl groups attached to the double-bonded carbons) is typically the major product. Compare the substitution patterns of the two possible alkenes to predict the major product.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Dehydrohalogenation

Dehydrohalogenation is an elimination reaction where a hydrogen halide (HX) is removed from a molecule, typically resulting in the formation of a double bond. In the context of organic chemistry, this reaction often occurs in the presence of a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide, which abstracts a proton from the carbon adjacent to the halogen, leading to the formation of alkenes.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:02
The dehydrohalogenation mechanism.

Zaitsev's Rule

Zaitsev's Rule states that in elimination reactions, the more substituted alkene is generally the major product. This is because more substituted alkenes are more stable due to hyperconjugation and the inductive effect. Understanding this rule is crucial for predicting the major product in dehydrohalogenation reactions, especially when multiple elimination products are possible.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:18
Defining Zaitsev’s Rule

Stereochemistry of Alkenes

Stereochemistry refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and is particularly important in the formation of alkenes. In the case of trans-1-bromo-2-methylcyclohexane, the stereochemical configuration will influence the stability and formation of the alkene product. The formation of cis or trans alkenes can affect their reactivity and physical properties, making it essential to consider stereochemistry when predicting products.
Recommended video:
1:38
Polymer Stereochemistry Concept 1