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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o3238

The enantiopure alcohol shown is converted to its tosylate with TsCl and pyridine, and the tosylate is then treated with in DMF (). What is the configuration of the azide product?

  1. A(S)-2-azidobutane
  2. BRacemic 2-azidobutane
  3. C(R)-2-azidobutane
  4. DOptically inactive meso compound

Answer: C

The compound is (S)-butan-2-ol. Tosylation breaks the O-H bond, not the C-O bond, so the stereocentre keeps its arrangement. Azide then displaces tosylate with inversion. Writing the product with the opposite wedge and checking CIP (N > ethyl > methyl > H) gives R: (R)-2-azidobutane.
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