Compound a reacts with one equivalent of h2 in the presence of a catalyst to give methylcyclohexane. Compound a can be formed upon treatment of 1-bromo-1-methylcyclohexane with sodium methoxide. What is the structure of compound a?

The compound a is 1-methyl cyclohexene (see attachment for structure).

Explanation:

The reaction of 1-Bromo-1-methylcyclohexane with sodium methoxide is a second-order reaction since the methoxide ion is a strong base and also a strong nucleophile. This ion attacks the alkyl halide faster than the alkyl halide can ionize to produce a first-order reaction. However, we can not see the product of nucleophilic substitution. The SN₂ mechanism is blocked due to the impediment of the 1-Bromo-1-methylcyclohexane. The main product, according to the Zaitsev rule, is the 1-methyl cyclohexene, thus forming a double bond.

Then, this cyclohexene is hydrogenated to form the cyclohexane.

2h2o2--> 2h2o + o2

this reaction is of the spontaneous decomposition of hydrogen peroxide down into water and oxygen.

add 2 molecules of hydrogen peroxide and 2 molecules of water. since oxygen is naturally diatomic, the total number of atoms of each element is now the same on both sides of the equation so it is balanced.

this may not be entirely correct but let me know.