CHAPTER 9: Question 9

3D Explanations

During the Wittig reaction, the C=O of the starting material is converted into C=CHMe as shown below. The are two stereoisomeric products which are enantiomers (not cis-trans isomers) of one another since they possess a stereoaxis as indicated below. The two products will be formed in equal amounts (ie as a racemic mixture) since they are being produced from achiral starting materials in the absence of any chiral influence. 3D structures of the two enantiomers are also shown below.

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