MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #621

A chemist heats 2-bromo-2-methylpropane with aqueous KOH. Why does increasing the temperature shift the reaction preference from substitution toward the elimination product?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #621

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A chemist heats 2-bromo-2-methylpropane with aqueous KOH. Why does increasing the temperature shift the reaction preference from substitution toward the elimination product?

    • A) Substitution is favored because it has higher activation energy.
    • B) Elimination is favored because it is an exothermic process.
    • C) Elimination is favored because it is more sensitive to temperature increases.
    • D) Substitution is favored due to the stability of the transition state.

    Answer: Elimination is favored because it is more sensitive to temperature increases.

    Explanation: High temperature and strong bases favor elimination over substitution because elimination has a higher activation energy and increases entropy.