Reactions with Nitrogen Compounds
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MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems › Reactions with Nitrogen Compounds
Which of the following statements is true concerning the Hofmann elimination reaction?
The least substituted alkene is the major product in the reaction
The ammonium is eliminated following an E1 mechanism
The Zaitsev product is favored in the elimination reaction
The quaternary ammonium salt is a poor leaving group
Explanation
The Hofmann product is the most favored product in a Hofmann elimination reaction. The reaction follows an E2 mechanism, where a quaternary ammonium salt is able to be removed from a hydrocarbon, resulting in an alkene product. This reaction results in the least substituted alkene being the primary product.