According to Saytzeff's rule, the major product of an elimination reaction is
- A. the less substituted, less stable alkene
- B. always the cis isomer
- C. the more highly substituted and therefore more stable alkene
- D. an alkane
Explanation
When more than one alkene can form, the preferred product is the one with the greater number of alkyl groups attached to the doubly bonded carbons, because such alkenes are thermodynamically more stable. So 2-bromobutane gives mainly but-2-ene rather than but-1-ene. Using a bulky base can override this preference and favour the less substituted product instead.