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JEE Main levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 2 of 3ro102

Which statements about epoxidation of alkenes with mCPBA are correct?

  1. Acis-Alkenes give cis-epoxides, so the reaction is stereospecific.
  2. BThe reaction is faster for electron-rich alkenes.
  3. CA trans-alkene gives a cis-epoxide.
  4. DA free carbocation intermediate is formed, so rearrangements are common.

Answer: A, B

The peracid delivers oxygen to both alkene carbons in one concerted step, so alkene geometry is retained: cis gives cis and trans gives trans. The oxygen transfer is electrophilic, so more electron-rich alkenes react faster. No carbocation forms. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
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