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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper II covers organic chemistry and spectroscopy.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2024 · Paper II

Q8(b)(i). Ring opening of 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanone by methoxide

Question

2,2-Dimethylcyclopropanone undergoes ring opening when attacked by methoxide ion, and the product has the following spectral data: IR (ν, cm⁻¹): 1740, 1160; ¹H NMR (δ): 3.6 (3H, s), 1.2 (9H, s); Mass (m/z): 116, 85, 59, 31. Deduce the structure of the product with reasons. Write down the structure of another possible product.

Answer in brief

Product: methyl 2,2-dimethylpropanoate (methyl pivalate), (CH₃)₃C–COOCH₃. Other possible product: methyl 3-methylbutanoate.

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CoverscyclopropanoneFavorskii rearrangementmethyl pivalatespectral structure deductioncarbanion stability