Question

Which of the following reactions is not stereospecific?

• A. $S_{N}2$
• B. Addition of ${Br}_2$ to ethylene in $C{Cl}_4$
• C. Electrophilic substitution
• D. Glycol formation from alkenes with alkaline $KMn{O}_4$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Electrophilic substitution

a. $S_{N}2$ is stereospecific and stereoselective
b. Addition of ${Br}_2$ is stereospecific i.e anti-addition of two $Br$ atoms.
c. Electrophilic substitution is not stereospecific.
d. Hydroxylation is stereopsecific, syn-addition of two $(-OH)$ groups.