Question:

Indicate the major product of the following reaction:

\

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For \( \text{E2} \) elimination in cyclohexanes, stereochemical control (anti-periplanar requirement) completely overrides thermodynamic control (Zaitsev's rule). Always draw the substituents in a chair conformation to verify which H (or D) is trans-diaxial to the leaving group.
Updated On: May 25, 2026
  • Fig A
  • Fig B
  • Fig C
  • Fig D
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The problem asks for the major product of an elimination reaction of a substituted cyclohexane ring containing a deuterium (D) and a bromine (Br) atom on adjacent carbons, in the presence of a strong base \( \text{CH}_3\text{ONa} \) in \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \). This is an \( \text{E2} \) elimination reaction.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:

For an \( \text{E2} \) elimination to occur in cyclohexyl systems, the leaving group (Br) and the hydrogen/deuterium atom being eliminated must be in a trans-diaxial (anti-periplanar) relationship in the chair conformation.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

1. In the starting material, the bromine atom (Br) and the adjacent deuterium atom (D) are in a trans relationship (one is wedged, the other is hashed). This allows them to adopt a trans-diaxial conformation upon chair flipping.
2. Conversely, the adjacent hydrogen atom (H) is cis to the bromine, meaning they cannot adopt the anti-periplanar relationship required for \( \text{E2} \) elimination.
3. Consequently, when treated with the strong base \( \text{CH}_3\text{ONa} \), the base selectively abstracts the deuterium atom (D) instead of the hydrogen (H) because only the C-D bond is anti-coplanar to the C-Br bond.
4. The elimination of \( \text{DBr} \) results in the formation of a double bond between C-1 and C-2, leaving the carbon skeleton intact with the methyl group in its original position and the deuterium completely removed. This corresponds to the product shown in option (C).

Step 4: Final Answer:

The major product of the reaction is given in option (C).
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