In the solvolysis of t-butyl chloride, a minor product is 2-methylpropene, which results from the:

In the solvolysis of t-butyl chloride, a minor product is 2-methylpropene, which results from the:

A. E2 mechanism with OH ̄ acting as the base.

B. E2 mechanism with H2O acting as the base.

C. E1 mechanism with OH ̄ acting as the base.

D. E1 mechanism with H2O acting as the base.

Solution: The minor product has a double bond which means elimination reaction has happened. E2 requires a strong base. Since water is not a strong base, this can not be E2. Instead we have E1. Choice D is the correct answer.

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