The halide shown is heated with a concentrated solution of sodium ethoxide in ethanol. Which pathway predominates?

ASN2, giving an ether
BE2, giving an alkene
CE1cB, giving an alkene
DSN1, giving an alcohol

Answer: B

The compound is tert-butyl bromide, a tertiary halide whose carbon is too hindered for SN2 backside attack. With a high concentration of a strong base such as ethoxide the bimolecular elimination (E2) dominates and gives 2-methylpropene.

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