Question

Identify the major product ‘B’ in the following reaction.
Propene \(\xrightarrow{\text{HCl}}\) A \(\xrightarrow[\Delta]{\text{Aq. KOH}}\) B

• A. 2–Chloropropane
• B. Propan–2–ol
• C. 1–Chloropropane
• D. Propan–1–ol

Hint:

Aqueous KOH favors substitution reaction, while alcoholic KOH favors elimination.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Addition of HCl to propene.
HCl adds to propene according to Markovnikov’s rule.
\[ \mathrm{CH_3–CH=CH_2 + HCl \rightarrow CH_3–CHCl–CH_3} \]
Product A is 2–chloropropane.
Step 2: Reaction of A with aqueous KOH.
Aqueous KOH causes nucleophilic substitution forming alcohol.
\[ \mathrm{CH_3–CHCl–CH_3 \xrightarrow{aq.\ KOH} CH_3–CHOH–CH_3} \]
Step 3: Identify product B.
The product formed is propan–2–ol.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Major product B is propan–2–ol.