MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Organic Reaction Mechanisms IV: Elimination / Saytzeff vs Hofmann products
JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o4185

N,N,N,2-Tetramethylbutan-2-aminium hydroxide, , is heated. The major alkene formed is:

  1. A2-methylbut-2-ene
  2. B3-methylbut-1-ene
  3. C2-methylbutan-2-ol
  4. D2-methylbut-1-ene

Answer: D

In Hofmann elimination the hydrogen removed is the least hindered and most acidic one: a methyl hydrogen on C2 is preferred over the methylene hydrogen. This gives (2-methylbut-1-ene) and trimethylamine, the opposite of Saytzeff orientation.
Practice Organic Reaction Mechanisms IV: Elimination More on Saytzeff vs Hofmann products

More questions on Saytzeff vs Hofmann products