Question

What occurs when an optically active alcohol reacts with HBr to give an alkyl halide? Multiple Choice the chirality center retains its configuration incomplete and varying inversion of configuration takes place at the chirality center complete inversion of configuration takes place at the chirality center the molecule loses its optical activity

Answer 1

Answer:

The incomplete and varying inversion of configuration takes place at the chirality center.

Explanation:

When optically active alcohols react with HBr an SN1 reaction occurs.

In SN1 reactions an intermediate carbocation is formed in which the nucleophile can attack it on either side of the molecule. Therefore, there is a partial inversion of the center of chilarity of the molecule.

Answer 2

Answer:

The answer is: Incomplete and varying inversion of configuration takes place at the chirality center.

Explanation:

The bromide ion is characterized by being a weak nucleophile, its high pKb value indicates SN1 and also tends to form a carbocation. The hydroxyl group leaves the bond when it undergoes acidification, leading to the formation of a carbocation. Nucleophilic attack of the bromide ion on the p orbital produces a racemic compound.