Question

2,2-dimethyloxirane can be cleaved by :

• A. acid
• B. water
• C. bromine
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A acid

Cyclic ether can be cleaved in acidic as well as basic medium. In basic medium, nucleophilic attack occurs from less hindered site that means cleavage between C and O occurs from less hindered site.
In acidic medium, nucleophilic attack occurs from more hindered site that means cleavage between C and O occurs from more hindered site. Hence, the correct answer is option (a).