Why are epoxides so reactive?
1 Answer
Mar 9, 2016
Have you got a molecular model set? You should have one. Construct a 3-membered ring, and then a 6-membered ring; it will be harder to make the former.
Explanation:
The three-membered ring experiences significant ring strain. Each carbon is labile to nucleophilic attack, once the oxygen site is protonated.