4. Which of these compounds is likely to be more reactive? 0 I. X Because II Its

Question

4. Which of these compounds is likely to be more reactive? 0 I. X Because II Its bond angles are too far away from the normal bond angle IV. All the hydrogens are eclipsed V. All the hydrogens are staggered Therefore VI. Its potential energy is high and will take less energy to overcome the activation energy barrier and it will react faster to relieve the strain VII. It is storing more energy in its strained bonds which will be released when they break 5. Which conformation of 2-methylbutane is most likely to be at the point indicated on this potential energy curve? CH3 CH3 H3C CH3 CH3 H

Explanation / Answer

4. X is ethylene oxide while Y is tetrahydrofuran. X is a three-membered ring and hence, (I) highly reactive due to ring strain.

The C and O atoms in X are sp3 hybridized; the C-O-C bond angle should have been ideally 109° due to tetrahedral disposition of sp3 hybridized atoms. However, because of the ring geometry, the bond angles are 60°; therefore, (III) the bond angles are far too away from the normal bond angles. Due to this strained geometry, the hydrogen atoms are (IV) forced into an eclipsed conformation. These two factors make X highly reactive.

Consequently, the C-C and C-O bonds store much more energy than they should have. This energy is released when the bonds break and the atoms can attain the proper geometry. Therefore, (VII) is the valid reason.

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