Question

What are the products of the following reaction?

\[\ce{(CH3)3C - O - CH3 + HI ->[cold] ?}\]

Options

• \[\ce{(CH3)3 C - I + CH3OH}\]

• \[\ce{(CH3)3 C - OH + CH3OH}\]

• \[\ce{(CH3)3 C - OH + CH3I}\]

• \[\ce{(CH3)3 C - I + CH3I}\]

Answer 1

\[\ce{(CH3)3 C - I + CH3OH}\]

Explanation:

\[\ce{(H3C)3 C - O - CH3 ->[cold][HI](CH3)3 C - I + CH3OH}\]

When one of the alkyl group of ether is tertiary, tertiary alkyl halide and lower alcohol is formed. Since tertiary carbocation is more stable.