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An optically active compound having molecular formula C_(7)H_(15)Brreacts with aqueous KOH to give a racemic mixture of products. Write the mechanism involved for this reaction. |
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Answer» Solution :Since this is an optically active compound, the THREE alkyl GROUPS attached to central C-atom have to be different. Thus, the compound `C_(7)H_(15)Br`had the structure `C_(2)H_(5) - underset(C_(3)H_(7))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)C - Br ` The reaction MAY be represented as under : `C_(2)H_(5) - underset(C_(3)H_(7))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)C - Br + KOH (aq) to C_(2)H_(5) - underset(C_(3)H_(7))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)C - OH + KBr ` Mechanism of the reaction It follows a `S_(N)1` reaction  The planar carbocation gives rise to a racemic mixture `(d + l)` due to TWO different compounds (optically active) obtained as a result of attack of OH from the front and rear of the planar carbocation. 
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