cleavage of ether

Is it correct? How to decide on x attaches to what part and oh attaches to which part? (The last reaction of the image)

8 Replies

@Dexter

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Aguilar•6mo ago

If the oxygen is connected to a tertiary carbon, then SN1 takes place, where oxygen takes a hydrogen and the bond between oxygen and tertiary carbon breaks, as that carbon is more substituted and + charge will be stable there, then on that 3° carbocation, Iodine attacks..... But if the carbon connected to oxygen is 1° or 2°, then SN2 takes place, where the oxygen takes a hydrogen and the Iodine ion attacks simultaneously. Iodine attacks at the 'less substituted' position due to crowding. In the example you have shown, the group on the left of Oxygen is less crowded than the right one, so iodine attacks there and bond between the left group and oxygen (which has taken a hydrogen) breaks...

Aguilar•6mo ago

SN1