MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #604

An ethoxide ion acts as a strong base rather than a nucleophile when reacting with a tertiary alkyl halide. What outcome does this favor?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #604

  1. Question 1

    Q1. An ethoxide ion acts as a strong base rather than a nucleophile when reacting with a tertiary alkyl halide. What outcome does this favor?

    • A) Substitution
    • B) Elimination
    • C) Rearrangement
    • D) Polymerization

    Answer: Elimination

    Explanation: Steric crowding at tertiary carbons prevents nucleophilic attack, forcing the ethoxide to act as a base; rearrangement is tempting but follows carbocation formation.