Question

The major product formed in the following reaction is

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the major product of the given reaction, we need to analyze the reaction conditions and the structure of the starting material.

1. Examine the starting material: The compound provided is a tosylate, which is a good leaving group.
2. Reaction conditions: The presence of NaCN in acetone indicates a nucleophilic substitution reaction, specifically an S_N2 reaction due to the polar aprotic solvent (acetone).
3. Mechanism: In an S_N2 reaction, the nucleophile (CN^-) attacks the carbon atom bearing the leaving group from the backside, leading to an inversion of configuration at that carbon center.
4. Predict the product: As a tosylate group leaves, the cyanide ion will substitute it, resulting in the formation of an alkyl cyanide (nitrile) with inversion of stereochemistry.

The major product of this reaction is the compound that has undergone substitution with inversion of configuration, as shown below:

Thus, the major product is the one represented in the image where the cyanide group (CN) replaces the tosylate group (OTs) with inversion.