What stereoisomers are obtained from hydroboration–oxidation of cis -2-butene?
1 Answer
Feb 2, 2015
The product is a racemic mixture of (
If the BH₃ attacks from the top of the alkene
we get the borane
The product on oxidation with H₂O₂ is (
If the BH₃ attacks from the bottom of the alkene
we get the borane
The product on oxidation with H₂O₂ is (
There is an equal chance of attack from top or bottom, so we get a 50:50 mixture of the two stereoisomers.