Question

Select the correct options with respect to the reaction of cis-3-methylcyclopentanol with $PB{r}_3$:

• A. The reaction is $S_{N}2$
• B. The reaction is $S_{N}1$
• C. The product is optically active
• D. The product is racemic

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The product is optically active

The alcohol (substrate) is secondary; with $PB{r}_3$, and it undergoes inversion at the carbinol carbon via an $S_{N}2$.