Question

Explain why 3-methylcyclohexene should notbe used as the starting material in Problem 52b.

Short answer

Two products will form and we get less desired product.

Step-by-step solution

How the reaction proceed

In this markoniv addition takes place.

Markoniv addition= Positive ion will go to that double bonded carbon which has more no of hydrogens attached and negative ion will go towards that carbon which has less number of hydrogens attached.

Here hydroboration oxidation takes place.

If the reactant is 3-methylcyclohexene then the double bonded carbons have same number of hydrogens so OH can be attached with any carbon and mixture of products will form. We get less yield of the desired product.

Final answer

If the reactant is 3-methylcyclohexene then the double bonded carbons have same number of hydrogens so OH can be attached with any carbon and mixture of products will form. We get less yield of the desired product.