Question #cd21d

1 Answer
May 14, 2015

The main product is propyne, and the minor product is propadiene.

This is an E2 elimination that occurs in stages.

The product of the first elimination is 2-chloropropene.

CH3CCl2CH3-HClCH3CCl=CH2

For the second step, we can eliminate the β-hydrogen at either C-1 or C-3.

If we eliminate the H at C-1, the product is propyne.

CH3CCl=CH2-HClCH3C≡CH

If we eliminate the H at C-3, the product is propadiene.

CH3CCl=CH2-HClCH2=C=CH2

Alkynes are more stable than 1,2-dienes, so the major product is propyne.

I would expect the two products to form in about a 2:1 ratio, because a commercial product called MAPP gas contains the two gases in that proportion.